A beautiful, large, dry deciduous tree to 40 m tall with attractive, glossy green, palmate leaves and small, reddish and somewhat malodorous flowers followed by bright red, castanet-shaped pods that hold several large seeds which are rich in oil. The latter are edible, with a cocoa-like flavor, and especially after roasting, when they remind of peanuts. Consumed in large quantities they are said to have a laxative effect. Sterculia foetida is widespread in tropical Asia and a stunning and popular ornamental throughout the tropics.