An evergreen perennial that, unlike many others of its kind, causes two surprises during the growing season.
The first is accompanied by an interesting floral display in a light brownish hue different from irises, followed a few months later by and abundance of fruits containing fiery red berries. There is also a white fruiting form, which, together with the red berries, can provide a nice shade of colour. The freshly harvested fruits pop open after a few days, revealing the red seed berries, which serve as an ornament for many months indoors in a glass bowl.