Dolichandrone spathacea is an attractive, evergreen tree with intensely fragrant flowers, growing up to 20 metres tall. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of wood.
Tolerates a wide range of soils. Although its natural habitat is swamps, it can adapt to drier sites. Succeeds in full sun and partial shade. Plants are tolerant of salt-laden winds. The showy and fragrant flowers are very short-lived, opening at dusk and falling off the tree at sunrise.
