Purple mombin is a deciduous tree with a spreading crown; it can reach a height of 25 metres, but is more likely to be in the range of 7 - 10 metres tall. The thick, gnarled bole can be 30 - 80cm in diameter.The tree is especially valued for its edible fruit, though it also provides many other commodities including medicines, a gum, edible shoots etc. It is widely cultivated in tropical areas, especially the Americas, for its edible fruit, and is also used as a living hedge
