Galip is widely distributed in lowland areas on the northern side of New Guinea and in all island groups. Galip grows near villages, in woody regrowth after cultivation and in mature forest. Trees are usually dispersed and not grown in groves. Self-sown seedlings are protected and trees are planted, often being selected for desirable characteristics. It occurs on both well drained and poorly drained sites in forest locations but is uncommon in grasslands.
Production is typically seasonal and generally lasts for about three months.
The production pattern is independent of the rainfall pattern but the commencement of production varies with latitude, which suggests that it is determined largely by daylength. Galip is popular among outsiders, including expatriates, and the prospects for its commercial development are considered to be excellent. Karuka is very widely planted in a narrow altitudinal band in the highlands in the central cordillera of New Guinea and on the Huon Peninsula. Karuka nuts are an important part of highlanders' diet during the producing period, being one of the few high protein plant foods in the region. During the harvest, entire households and their domestic pigs often migrate from the main highland valleys up to the high altitude locations.