A loose, upright, graceful shrub growing 10' by 8'. The var. gracilipes has larger leaves and flower panicles than the species and is more common in cultivation. Leaves are glossy green, 2-4" long and half as wide with a distinct reddish pedicel and central vein on the underside. Leaves emit a fetid odor when crushed. Inflorescence is a loose, pendant, panicle about 3-4" wide and 2" long. Fragrant flowers occuring in early June are pinkish in the bud, opening white with a pink tinge. Fruits are ¼" wide, transitioning from green to red to black. Native to Sri Lanka, India, Himalayas, northern Burma, and China. Zone 6