Published in F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp.6: 376 (1824)
The native range of this species is Costa Rica to S. Tropical America. It is a shrub or tree and grows primarily in the wet tropical biome. It is used to treat unspecified medicinal disorders and as a medicine.