Published in F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 3: 39 (1818)
The native range of this species is Colombia to N. Argentina and Central & S. Brazil. It is a subshrub or shrub and grows primarily in the seasonally dry tropical biome. It is used as a medicine, has environmental uses and for food.