Region: south America, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador.
Habitat: Atlantic rainforest; open and secondary growth areas; pastures, thickets; sandy loam soils; prefers a sunny position; tolerant of dry soils.
Use: soap and source of wood; restoring native woodland; elegant and ornamental tree.
BotanyEvergreen shrub or tree; dense, globose crown; 2 to 7 metres tall; pioneer; moderate rate of growth.
Stem: short, slightly fluted; 20 to 30 cm in diameter