This is a tall forest tree that can grow up to 45 m to 65 m in its native habitat.

Its trunk often displays buttresses, particularly as a mature tree. Its leaves and twigs are hairy while young leaves are deeply lobed, becoming more entire (non-lobed) when they mature. Mature leaves are very stiff and leathery. Male flowers occur in spike-like heads that are furrowed and ridged, turning yellowish to brownish, and hanging from stalks about 6 cm long. Female flower heads are upright, barrel-shaped with soft, hairy, curved spines. Its fruits are about 18 cm long, turning from cream yellow to brown, and emitting a nauseous rancid smell when ripe. The seeds are covered in white pulp.

The tree can be found in Myanmar, Thailand, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Java, Philippines and Lesser Sunda Islands. It is native to Singapore. The latex of the tree is called gutta terap and was used as a gum (bird lime) to trap birds.