Habit: Helicteres trapezifolia grows as a small to medium sized shrub-tree to 4 m in height. The pinnate/palmate leaves are arranged alternately, tomentose abaxially, to 10 cm (typically smaller) in length, ovate to trapeziform with an acute to obtuse leaf apex, subcordate base, and undulate to dentate/notched leaf margin.
The zygomorphic, complete, perfect flowers are arranged in terminal compound corymbs. The calyx has 5, fused, glandular, green sepals. The corolla has 5, unfused, white petals. There are 10 fused stamens forming a column. The carpel has 5, superior ovaries each with a single locule and numerous seeds. The fruit is a tomentose capsule that is not twisted.
Habitat: Helicteres trapezifolia grows in Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formation-Forest/Woodland/Shrubland (coppice, scrublands) and Pine Woodlands.
Distribution in Bahamas/Globally: Helicteres trapezifolia occurs on central and southern island groupings in the Lucayan Archipelago as well as Cuba.
Medicinal/Cultural/Economic usage: Helicteres trapezifolia is used medicinally in The Bahamas.