This is an evergreen shrub 1-5 m in height. Stems in a reddish bark; young hairy branches.
The leaves are round and compact, 2-6 cm in length, they are sometimes located almost opposite, oval or lanceolate, leathery, shiny green, yellowish-green below.
The flowers are small, fragrant. The flowering period lasts from February to April.
Fruits are red-brown stone fruits about 3-4 mm, containing from two to four seeds. The fruits darken to black when ripe.
Fruits have healing properties and can be used with caution as a laxative.
This species is widespread in thermophilic evergreen shrubs in the Mediterranean regions, from sea level to 700 m above sea level. This species is grown as a decorative shrub of the garden, appreciated for its glossy evergreen leaves and red berries.
