This evergreen plant reaches 29 feet in height when fully grown and has needle-like leaves similar to that of the pine. The branches reach upward, giving this shrub the same 3 dimensional triangular shape as a Christmas tree.

However, small blue berries grow in bunches on this tree. This fruit is used in the flavoring of various food items and is a necessary ingredient in the making of gin. It also contains a small amount of essential oil that is sometimes distilled and used for flavoring.

The seeds, leaves and stems are also edible and can be used to make beverages – coffee substitute from the seeds and teas from the leaves and stems.

This plant is a household remedy for an abundance of medical ailments and has gained some commercial use since both the fruit and leaves are full of medicinal value.