Belongs to the monotypic genus.

Generally medium-sized to large tree up to 25-30 m; dioecious. Leaves alternate, simple. Inflorescence in irregular pseudo-umbels, 3-15 flowers. Fruit bacciform, indehiscent, globular; arils absent, ruminated albumen, oleaginous.

Haematodendron differs from Myristicaceae in the absence of arils in the fruits and ruminated endosperm. Phylogenetically, it is related to the monotypic genus Bicuiba which is endemic to southeast Brazil (Sauquet, 2004). Leaves, fruits, flowers, bark, fruits and seeds are eaten by the lemur Indri indri (Britt & al., 2003). The seeds are used against scabies, the latex to remove spots on the face.