This is a genus of over 150 evergreen and deciduous shrub and small tree species, grown predominantly for their striking clusters of berries, which are small and vivid purple in colour, with a metallic sheen. These are borne from many delicate panicles of pink, white or purple flowers. Originally from Southeastern Asia, Australia, Madagascar and the Americas, this genus is restricted to temperate and tropical zones. Tropical species tend to be evergreen, and temperate ones, deciduous. They are best suited to flower and shrub borders where they fruit best in long, hot summers and when planted in groups (for pollination). Tender and half-hardy species can be over-wintered under glass.