Grow in full sun. Naturally occurs near riverbanks, so it enjoys year-round irrigation. Fast growing, tropical tree up to 60+ feet tall, with a spreading crown. Broad canopy, glossy dark green leaves and grey bark. Limbs are very weak and easily broken. Bears large clusters of white flowers composed of numerous white stamens and a thin central pistil. The pods are large, up to 24 inches long and 3 inches wide, bright green when immature and becoming yellowish green at maturity. The pods contain edible sweet white ‘ice cream’ like pulp, which cover the shiny, dark brown, 1.5 inch long seeds. The pulp is very sweet, somewhat fibrous, and melts in the mouth like cotton candy. Leaves and seeds are used medicinally for treatment of diarrhea and rheumatism. Very popular fruit in many parts of Central and South America.