A small tree with an open habit and dense covering of mid-green oval leaves. It is mainly known for its cherry-like fruits which it bears in profusion.
The colour of the fruits tends to be more bright red or cerise than cherry-red which is darker.
The fruits are quite acid in taste when eaten raw and contain high quantites of ascorbic acid but are particualrly tasty when made into jellies, jams, sauces, syrups purees or even wine.
These plants were grown commercially in Hawaii but with the advent of synthesised ascorbic acid they have diminished in popularity.