[Overview]
An evergreen shrub about 1–2 m tall.
It branches densely and grows thickly.
The leaves are simple and alternate, lanceolate to ovate, hairless and glossy on the surface, with entire margins.
There are male and female flowers, both borne in racemes arising from the leaf axils, with the female flowers at the base of the inflorescence.
The flowers are white to cream-colored, have no petals, and are fragrant.
The fruit is a spherical drupe, red or black.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by division or by cuttings.
It prefers partial shade to shade and fertile, moderately moist soil that is well drained and retains water well.
Avoid places that get strong afternoon sun or that become dry.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient unless summer brings a long spell of sunny weather and the soil becomes dry.
Apply organic fertilizer in winter.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
