Growth form: tree
Height: Generally 4 m, exceptionally up to 10 m
Trunk / Bark: Robust; green and smooth in young trees, grayish and slightly rough at maturity, brown and fissured in old specimens
Leaves: Simple, alternate, elliptic to lanceolate (4–6 × 2.5–3 cm), coriaceous, margin entire or slightly toothed; dark green and glossy above, paler beneath, young leaves finely pubescent
Flowers: Hermaphroditic, pendulous, bell-shaped, solitary or in small groups; aromatic; 5 cream-white petals
Blooming period: Early in the year
Fruits: Fleshy capsules 1–1.5 cm, initially green, then red, finally dark purple-black; dehiscent at maturity