Occurrence
The species occurs in tropical America and in tropical occidental Africa. In Venezuela, the plant is frequent along the northern coast line where it may form small woods. It is the emblematic plant of the state Delta Amacuro where it is called mangle rojo.

Ethnobotanical and general use

Medical use
Bark and leaf The bark is used in general medicine for haemorrhage and angina and is also considered as a specific remedy against leprosy. It is also used against tuberculosis. Bark a nd leaves are considered to be haemostatic and febrifuge. The Warao Indians use the bark for muscular spasms, skin ulcers, haemorrhagic dys e ntery and diarrhoea. Fruit and leaf The fruit is applied for tooth ache, the leaves for fever (wiLBERT 1996).

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Root: Used to treat diarrhea in NW Guyana.

Stem: A bark decoction is used to treat frequent dysentery, diarrhea, micturition and bladder diseases in Guyana. Bark is febrifuge, astringent, rich in tannin, used in a decoction in French Guiana for haemorrhages, and in gargles to remedy angina. Bark used to treat diarrhea in NW Guyana.
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Origin:
Mexico
Medicinal  properties:
- Diabetes
- Dysentery
- Kidney pain (bark decoction as tea)

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

2) Robertt, A., et al.. Medicinal Plants of the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guyana)/Smithsonian NMNH. cited online: 17-08-2017

3) Armando González Stuart/ Plants Used in Mexican Plants Used in Mexican Traditional Medicine Traditional Medicine: Their Application and Effects In Traditional Healing Practices. - p. 118.