The leaves are simple, alternate, elliptical to oval in shape, coriaceous (leathery), with a sharp, slight apiculate apex, cuneate base and a crenate margin.

The fruits are round, approximately 1.2 cm in diameter, green during growth and dark red (giving the appearance of black or violet) upon reaching maturity, with an acid taste.

[6] In Colombia, the presence of this plant has been recorded between altitudes of 2,200 and 3,400 meters above sea level, and it is the only tropical country that proffers two annual harvests of this fruit.

A group of researchers from the UN in Medellin chose as field work crops present in the municipalities of Guachetá in Cundinamarca; California in Santander; and La Ceja, Santa Rosa de Osos and Entrerríos in northern Antioquia.

This study determined that these red berries, which are often consumed in processed form, undergo changes during their stages of maturation that affect their antioxidant levels.