It is an evergreen shrub or tree that reaches 6 meters in height. Shiny, oval and leathery dark green leaves that measure 10 cm in length. The flowers are white aromatic and are grouped in axillary clusters. The fruit is a black cherry-like drupe and is grouped in clusters like grapes. Unlike the rest of the plant, which is poisonous, the cherries are edible, although softer and a bit dry compared to those of other species of the Prunus genus. However, the seeds contained in the berries are poisonous.