A creeping or erect shrub that spreads by layering and suckering, its height is quite variable from 0.2-5m tall but is generally 1m or so. Leaves are alternate, leathery, and ovoid to 10 cm (4") long, they are finely toothed. Flowers are shaped like a Greek urn and are white running into pink. Fruits are of a deep reddish blue to a dark-purple capsule surrounded by adnate, the fleshy sepal appears as a berry.
The leaves have been chewed to dry the mouth. An infusion of the leaves have been used as a treatment for diarrhoea, coughs, TB etc. A poultice of the toasted, pulverized leaves has been applied to cuts. A poultice of the chewed leaves has been applied to burns and sores.
Health Remedies 
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