Distinctive shrub with dark coloured bark. The broad rounded leaves, are usually yellow-green and blotched with red on the dull upper surface. Cold and sun both increase how red the leaves will go. Small yellow-green flowers are followed by dark red fruit. Occurs through most of New Zealand in lowland to high montane forests, to 1200m. This superior form was selected by Nelson nurseryman, Cam Simpson from plants growing in the Ellis Basin of Mt Arthur, North-western Nelson.
