The leaf anatomy has been described by ROTH (1992). The structure of the seed coat including the large wing has been studied by ROTH (1977). The wing consists of dead air-containing parenchyma, reducing the specific weight of the seeds. The seedling shows anisocotyly with a reduced microcotyledon and a very large macrocotyledon, which contains large slime cavities as well as oil drops and starch; the cell walls are impregnated with tannins, equally as those of the seed coat. The seedling, rich in nutritive substances, can survive for several months in the shade of the mother plant. The tannins prevent it from rotting (ROTH 1977). The tree is endemic in the Cordillera de la Costa of Venezuela occurring at an altitude between 900 and 1100 m. The wood, of light colour and very soft, could be used for general carpentry, boxes and crates or as pulp for paper manufacture; it is tough and strong, light in weight and easy to work but not resistant to decay. The bark is rich in tannin and fibers. Even the slime of the macro cotyledon could be used in pharmacy.

South American medicinal plants : botany, remedial properties, and general use / I. Roth, H. Lindorf. Berlin ; New York : Springer, c2002. -- p. 492.