A Mānele can grow into an exceptionally large, deciduous tree. The species occurs naturally in Mexico, South America, Africa, and parts of the South Pacific, as well as on the Island of Hawai‘i where it is found in moist forests above 900 m (2950 ft). The species does very well here, however. Manele is closely related to the endemic lonomea (S. oahuensis), many of which are the tallest native trees in the park.

Seeds are produced in large numbers once the tree is several years old and these germinate readily on the ground under the tree. The oldest tree at Nā Pōhaku o Hauwahine is located a little below the Upper South Side Trail

Seeds were strung into lei and necklaces.