This tropical tree is a small evergreen, up to 15 to 20 feet, with leathery, obovate leaves, native to tropical America. Fruits are very large, up to 5 pounds, and heart shaped, dark green in color. The skin is glabrous, but bears numerous fleshy spines. The interior flesh is white, with soft, cottony strands that contain many seeds.
Flesh is tart, desirable for ices and ade drinks.
It is an important fruit in Puerto Rico and other tropical American areas. It is too tender for culture in continental U.S., except in the warmest parts of Florida.