Leaves are lanceolate to 3 inches long, leathery, sharply toothed. Leaves may come out bronze in spring and turn green later. Yellow flowers are 1 to several borne on spurs in early summer. When petals drop, the sepals turn red and fruit develop. They form as green berry like at center of flower and turn jet black later.
Plants prefer partial shade, slightly acid soil that is well drained.
Somewhat drought tolerant once established. Can be used as an accent shrub, tub plant on patio, espalier, or an interior plant. In front of Strelitzia sp. off path in lower Palm Canyon. Shrubby evergreen perennial to 8 ft with an equal spread. Weakly upright branches from base.