A relative of the gardenia and Ixora, it is an attractive shrub with glossy evergreen leaves. It prefers light shade, is hardy to 28°F and can be used as a potted specimen, though some varieties grow into large trees. The flowers are white, star-like, fragrant, in axillary clusters which appear in the spring. The fruit are red when ripe, in the fall, with a sweet pulp surrounding the bean.
