A large, long-lived, deciduous tree from Asia Minor and Persia. It has dark green leaves which are rough above and downy under-neath, somewhat heart-shaped 2-5 lobed. It likes a warm, well-drained soil, but if the roots become dry, the fruit is likely to drop before ripening. The purple-to-black berries are said to be the largest and juiciest of the genus. The fruit unwashed will keep several days in a refrigerator in a covered container. Propagated by cutting or air layer.