It flowers during summer and separate male and female blooms are found on the same plant. The stamens are prominent in the small green male flowers, while the female flowers appear to be small reddish cones. The seeds are winged. It can be germinated readily when the seed is fresh but is very difficult to grow on. A moist position is required but success is marginal below about 400 metres altitude.
Growth is very slow.
It does not regenerate readily after fire. An attractive shrub to 2 metres. Dark green leaves with clearly visible fine veins and minute serrations giving it a bristly appearance. The flowers are white, prominent and urn-shaped, clustered at the ends of the branches. The spectacular fruits, comprising a swollen calyx surrounding a dry capsule which give it the common name of Snow Berry, are edible.