An evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy dark green leaves and pretty, fragrant, white flowers with conspicuous white stamens, followed by edible purple-black berries. Beautiful orange tinged peeling bark on mature specimens. Height and spread to around 10m x 3m but often smaller in the UK. Requires a partially shaded position in moist humus rich soil in a sheltered position. Hardy to -5c but resents heavy snowfall.