It is a glabrous deciduous shrub, reaching heights up to 60cm. Numerous erect stems and branches rise from a creeping rhizome, the leaves are 1-3cm in length ovate and bright green and have a thick cuticle therefore can thrive in drier conditions (Clapham, et al. 1962).
In a variety of situations the thickness of the cuticle varies, for instance in open heath the leaves are thick and leathery and in the moist atmosphere of a wood the leaves are thin and flexible (Fritsch and Salisbury, 1961). The flowers are 2-5cm long andgreenish-pink in colour and are pollinated by bees. The fruits have a circumference of 8mm, are black with a glaucous bloom, and are sweet and edible (Clapham, et al. 1962).