A shrub or small tree. It grows 3-8 m tall. The bark is grey to black. The leaves are near the ends of branches. They are oval and 3-9 cm long by 0.5-3 cm wide. They curl under at the edge. The flowers are small and creamy white. They have a sweet scent. They occur in short sprays in the axils of leaves. These are 4 cm long. The fruit are almost round. They are 8 mm across. They are rich red to purple when mature.
A tropical plant. It grows in coastal scrub and low altitude bush. It is in areas of moderate rainfall. In Ethiopia it grows between 1,500-2,300 m altitude. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 100-150 mm. It can grow in arid places.
Home