The fruit and seed are used as a pepper and allspice substitute, although one report says they taste like cinnamon. We only have male plants available at present. Yes Deciduous shrub to 3m. Flowers in Spring. Easily grown in a well-drained soil, requiring a sunny position.
Plants produce nitrogen nodules on their roots and are tolerant of drought and poor soil.
They can be grown as a hedge and are tolerant of maritime exposure. The fruit is dry, sweet and mealy and goes well in soups, or you can make jelly or sherbet with it. Our plants have not as yet fruited. The fibrous bark can be used to make rope or woven. The dried fruits have been used as beads.