Grows at moderate rate to 30-40 ft. tall and as wide. Will reach 20 ft. in ten years. Leathery, very dark green leaves. Individual leaves divided into 4-10 round leaflets about 2 inches long. Male plants produce pinkish flowers in spring.
Female plants produce small red flowers followed by one foot long, flattened, leathery pods.
Rich in sugar, pods are milled to fine powder and sold as chocolate substitute. Fragrance is rather unpleasant.