A sweet and delicate musk-like odour is produced by the seed coat. The essential oil obtained from the plant is used as a food flavouring and in perfumery...
When the leaves first appear their colour is red-pinkish, but then they turn deep green and grow to about 12 to 18 cm long. They are attached to long flexible stalks, which makes them rustle, flutter and dance in the slightest whiff of wind