Myroxylon peruiferum is a deciduous tree with a large, open, rounded crown; it can grow 10 - 20 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole is sometimes buttressed, it can be 60 - 80cm in diameter[363
The tree yields a good quality timber, for which it is commonly harvested from the wild and traded internationally. It also yields an essential oil that is used in perfumery and has a number of local medicinal uses. It can be grown as a pioneer for restoring woodland and, as an ornamental tree, it can be used in landscaping