Origin: the Canary Islands, Morocco, the Mediterranean coast. Evergreen shrub or small tree typical to the Mediterranean maquis. It has an upright habit initially, then it spreads out and the crown becomes round. Pinnate leaves made up of 2-5 pairs of leathery leaflets, glossy dark green on the upper side, paler on the underside, which become reddish when the weather is cold. When the leaves are rubbed they give off a strong smell of resin. Insignificant flowers but the red fruit is very showy, covering the plant in autumn, turning black when ripe. It is one of the most suitable plants for dry areas and in gardens near the sea but it requires quite fertile soil. Withstands pruning.