A desirable woodlander from the Himalaya and China, with very handsome prominently veined, glossy, taper-pointed foliage on blackish arching stems to 60cm. Terminal clusters of very many tiny creamy-green star-like flowers in spring, followed by orange berries in autumn. This fine form with dark leaf tips and stems, and more flowers which last longer, is a decided improvement on the straight species. For humusy soil in shade, not too dry in summer. Hardy.