Small tree up to 10 m; leaves lanceolate to elliptic-oblong, acuminate, pubescent with hairs on the underside, length 8-14 cm, width 2.5-4 cm; petiole 3-6 mm; flowers solitary or in pairs, on short supports; calyx of three pointed, narrow, pubescent segments; six petals, exterior petals 20-25 mm, base dilated and concave, the interior petals almost as long as the exterior ones; carpels may be numerous, oblong, with 2-4 black, shiny, narrowly ovoid seeds. Common names: malagueta, malagueta brava.