Small evergreen tree found in wetter areas throughout NZ most frequently at higher, cooler altitudes and in frosty valleys. Leaves are long soft, parallel-sided with many small marginal teeth. Bark is smooth and light brown. Flowers are small in clusters most abundant on woody twigs below the leaves, yellow for female, purple for males on separate trees, flowering mid-winter to early summer. Fruits 4-6mm dark purple late winter to late summer.