It is often planted in Central America as a shade or ornamental tree. It has been grown in the Philippines, Puerto Rico and California. The fruits mature from late January to March in Costa Rica. It is also used for tool handles, fenceposts, and temporary railroad ties. The bark is rich in tannin.
New foliage is maroon.
The white, aril-like pulp, agreeably subacid, encloses 3 to 4 oblong seeds. The tree is native to humid forests of Surinam and Brazil to northern Peru. The fruit is not much esteemed but widely eaten and sold in native markets. The bacuripari was introduced into Florida in 1962 and planted at the Agricultural Research and Education Center in Homestead, at Fairchild Tropical Garden and in several private gardens. One tree fruited in 1970, another in 1972, and the latter has continued to bear.