Deciduous tree, can grow as fast as 3 meters per year, to reach up to 30 meters in height. Typical of secondary rainforests, indigenous plant of the Atlantic forest of Brazil. It is also found in Costa Rica in regions with a well defined dry season. Characterized by its straight trunk, young trees of 3-5 meters have enormous bipinnate leaves that sometimes exceed 2 meters in length, so many people confuse this tree with a fern or palm.