Description

Virola is a genus of medium-sized trees native to the South American rainforest and closely related to other Myristicaceae, such as nutmeg. Species are known commonly as epená, patricá, or cumala. They have glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of tiny yellow flowers, and may emit a pungent odor.

Virola surinamensis, known commonly as baboonwood and chalviande,is a species of flowering plant in the family Myristicaceae. It is found in Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. It has also been naturalized in the Caribbean. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical swamps, and heavily degraded former forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Virola surinamensis grows 25–40 m tall. The leaves are 10–22 cm long and 2–5 cm wide.The fruits are ellipsoidal to subglobular, measuring about 13–21 mm  long and 11–18 mm in diameter.