Biribá is a fast-growing, flood-tolerant, sun-loving tropical tree, with leaves up to 35 cm long. It can reach a height of 4–15 m, which can bear fruit from seed within 3 years. The fruit is large, conical or round, green when unripe, ripening to yellow. Its surface is covered with soft spines or protuberances which bruise and blacken with handling, giving it an unappealing appearance.
The fruit pulp is very soft and sweet, tasting somewhat like a lemon meringue pie. Some reports of the flavour are extremely favourable, others more moderate. Propagation is usually by seeds, which can remain viable for 2 years kept dry and in the dark, though air-layering and grafting are possible to preserve specific cultivars.
The wood of the biribá tree is durable and suitable for boat construction.
