An evergreen shrub with glossy berries native to Chile and Argentina where it was found colonising dry, rocky areas. The plant growing in the peat walls has reached 1.5m in height. With the persistent spreading root stock it would rejuvenate rapidly if pruned to ground level in early spring.Multiple berries ripening erratically on the stalk, young stems red colour with glossy green leaves arranged spirally to maximise sunlight absorption.