The species is a small, deciduous tree, to 10m. Crown conical or spreading; branches long, drooping. Trunk often bent, 12 inches or more in diameter, and unbranched for 6m. Bark reddish or dark brown with a grayish tinge, fairly smooth or with long, coarse fissures ; inner bark fibrous and is used for cordage. Leaves lanceolate; foliage much lighter and brighter green than is usual in tropical trees. [Williams – Fieldiana, Botany series vol.15, Woods of Northeastern Peru p.68/1936].  The variety fastigiata is an upright tree with a narrow, elongated habit, similar to the Lombardy poplar.