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The brazilwood tree may reach up to 15 metres (49 ft) in height, and the dark brown bark flakes in large patches, revealing the lustrous blood-red sapwood underneath. The leaves are pinnate and each consists of between 9 and 19 small, leathery leaflets, which are broadly oblong in shape.[12] The flower stalk, or inflorescence, is also branched and contains between 15 and 40 yellow, strongly perfumed flowers,[12] which may be pollinated by bees.[12] The petals are usually yellow with a blood-red blotch.[12] The fruits are oval-shaped woody seedpods, measuring up to 7.3 centimetres (2.9 in) long and 2.6 centimetres (1.0 in) across; they hang off the branches and after the seeds are expelled, the pods become twisted.[12] The branches, leaves and fruit are covered with small thorns.[12]There are some important differences between geographically distinct populations and it is thought that separate subspecies of the pau brasil may exist.[12] This tree may have some medicinal properties and has been used as an astringent and antidiuretic by local people; extracts have been tested as possible cancer treatments