Cóbana negra is an evergreen tree.

Cóbana negra appears to lack a natural seed disperser, as most of the individuals are found growing under parental trees that rarely reach a reproductive size. This may possibly be due to inter-specific competition. Cóbana negra seeds propagated under nursery conditions, germinate faster when the exocarp, or fleshy outer cover, is removed and directly placed just slightly above the propagation medium on the germination bank. The germination time is five to seven days when planted right after collection, as compared to seven to 14 days, when the seeds are dried. Planted trees in the wild appear to tolerate a wide variety of soil and moisture conditions, although full sunlight seems to be necessary for vigorous growth of seedlings.

In Puerto Rico, cóbana negra flowers are produced between March and May, depending on rainfall. The common honeybee (Apis mellifera) has been observed around the flowers and might be a pollinator for cóbana negra. Fruits mature in summer and each fruit contains only one seed, hence the species name monosperm. 

Cóbana negra trees can be easily identified by its pinnately, or leaf arrangement, compound leaves of six to 12 lance-shaped to ovate leaflets on red stalks. These have on their underside small glands that look like black dots.

Measurements
Height: Approximately 23 to 50 ft (7 to 15 m)
Diameter: 12 to 18 in (30 to 45 cm)
Fruit pod length: 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm)

The wood of cóbana negra is very hard, dense, durable and termite resistant. The heartwood is dark brown, whereas the sapwood is light brown in color. The flowers are pale yellow that develop into fruit that are a little fleshy, and when mature, turns bright red with a pleasant smell of ripe apple. This is similar to that of acerola (Malpighia glabra).

Natural populations of cóbana negra are found along streams, on the edge of salt flats or shallow brackish lagoons in association with mangroves, which are flooded during the wet season. Although most natural populations are found adjacent to wetland areas, some are limited to drier, slightly elevated microsites that are not occupied by wetland vegetation.