May reach a height of 140 ft with trunk diameters of 5 ft, usually much shorter and only 2 to 3 ft in diameter.
Boles are heavily buttressed, cylindrical, and clear for more than two-thirds of total height.
The wood is not resistant to attack by decay fungi and is very susceptible to attack by termites and other insects. Logs require prompt conversion or water storage to prevent damage by pinhole borers. Bacterial attack resulting in the formation of odoriferous compounds is also reported. Oil is extracted from seeds of Virola and used in soaps and candles. Food and Agriculture Organization.