Leaves opposite in whorls of 3-6, narrow-lanceolate to broad-ovate, smooth, leathery, glossy, margins slightly recurved.
Flowers white, fragrant, in terminal heads, five petals and five sepals.

Photo: Robert Whyte
Habit
There are 14 species in Australia, 21 in New Caledonia and 7 in the other Pacific Islands, including Hawaii.

Photo: Robert Whyte
Foliage, immature fruit
Alyxia ruscifolia (Chain Fruit) is very common on dry hillsides where euc sclerophyll merges with dry rainforest habitat.

Photo: Robert Whyte
Foliage and fruit
Fruit of 1–3 more or less globose articles, 8–11 mm in diameter, orange to red.
Alyxia ruscifolia is a drought tolerant, spiky plant worthy of planting in the Greater Brisbane as a Lantana substitute. It could be a useful hedge plant, if somewhat slow growing.

Photo: Robert Whyte