An Indomalaysian species, a medium-sized subevergreen tree, common on alluvial and coastal situations from India to Fiji, from sealevel to 1200 m. Now found in Australia, Florida, Hawaii, India, Malaysia, Oceania, Philippines, and Seychelles, for example. Ecology Probably ranges from Tropical Dry to Moist through Subtropical Dry to Moist Forest Life Zones. Cultivation Seeds, remaining viable for sometime, require no special scarification. Direct sowing is usually successful.
Seedlings transplant easily from the nursery after about a year.
Root suckers are rather plentiful as well. It is a rapid-growing coppice species that can be cloned. Harvesting Pods are collected and shells removed by hand. Grown in 30-year rotations for fuel in West Bengal. The thick oil from the seeds is used for illumination, as a kerosene substitute, and lubrication.