Fragrance is a powerful and fruity banana smell. Plant likes a well drained, moist, fertile soil and full sun. Good plant to espalier, use as a patio specimen in a container or plant near a bedroom or kitchen window where one could enjoy the fragrance of the flowers. Plant is normally propagated from cuttings because the seeds are very difficult to germinate. Overall shape is globe of gracefully pendulant branches reaching low to the ground if not pruned up.
Growth rate is fast at first and then slows down.
Single or multi-trunked trees. Leaves are simple, longer than they are wide, gray green in color. Flowers are white, small and borne in panicles in April. Fruit are green turning purple and finally black. Messy on sidewalk.