Large, fast growing tree, evergreen with spreading branches and many aerial prop roots; leaves stalked, alternate, elliptic, ovate or heart shaped, 3 nerved at base, entire, coriaceous, glabrous above, puberulous beneath, when young velvety on both sides; leaves have a unique pocket-like fold at the base, petioles with a broad, smooth greasy gland at the apex, compressed, drowny, receptacles axillary, paired, sessile, usually globose, red on ripening; basal bracts-3; male flowers numerous near the mouth, pubescent; tepals-4, valvate; stamens-1; gall flowers similar to males but with short style; female flowers with perianth shorter than in males; tepals-4, sepaloid; ovary with short style; achenes globose, dark brown to red at maturity.