Sandbox trees can grow to 60 metres (200 ft), and the large ovate leaves grow to two feet wide. They are monoecious. The red flowers have no petals. Male flowers grow on long spikes; female flowers are solitary in axils. The fruit is a large capsule with explosive dehiscence; seeds can be launched at 70 metres per second (160 mph). One source states that ripe pods catapult the seeds as far as 100 metres (330 ft). Another source states that seeds are thrown as far as 45 metres (148 ft) from the tree, with a mode at about 30 metres (98 ft). It has also been known as the Dynamite tree, so named for the explosive sound of the ripe fruit as it splits into segments. Its fruits are pumpkin-shaped capsules, 1.4-2 inches (3-5 cm) long, 2-3.2 inches (5-8 cm) diameter, with 16 carpels arranged radially. Its seeds are flattened and about 0.8 inches (2 cm) diameter. In parts of Tanzania in Africa it has become invasive. This tree prefers wet soil, and partial shade or partial sun to full sun. It is often cultivated for shade.

• 1.4-2 inches (3-5 cm) long
• 2-3.2 inches (5-8 cm) diameter
• with 16 carpels arranged radially
• about 0.8 inches (2 cm) diameter
• Worldwide

1.4-2 inches (3-5 cm) long