The native range of this species is Mexico to Guyana and Peru. It is a shrub or tree and grows primarily in the seasonally dry tropical biome. (Source: POWO). Moderate sized trees, stems armed with short prickles. Pinnae 1 pair. Leaflet bipinnate. Flowers in globose heads. Corolla dull white. Pods spirally twisted. Seeds 6-8, ovoid, black polished enclosed in white, fleshy, edible aril