They are hardy only in frost-free zones, otherwise they can make a rare and unique houseplant as they are smaller when container grown.

The leaves are compound with up to 10 pairs of leaflets, which are elliptic about 5–7 centimetres (2.0–2.8 in) long and 2–3 cm (0.79–1.18 in) wide.

It blooms with dense clusters of small green-red, fragrant flowers at the end of panicles.

The fruit splits open, showing the bright red interior, with three spherical, velvety blue-black seeds.

The seeds are often used in artisan jewelry and the dried pods in flower arrangements, the composition of bouquets and decorative potpourri.