From foliage to fruit, the whole of red West Indian holly is deep red and purple tinted, even the new stems. It is comparable to the more cold hardy heavenly bamboos (Nandina spp.) in looks, habit and flower and fruit interest. In the tropics it may be planted as a resilient and fast-growing landscape specimen for shade. In temperate climes it can be enjoyed as a container specimen for the summer patio or winter conservatory.

Sometimes listed under the old but descriptive name, Leea coccinea, this tropical evergreen shrub to small tree offers showy foliage, flowers and fruits all year round. It naturally exists in the forest understory of tropical Africa, Madagascar, India and Myanmar (Burma) but has become established in other tropical regions, such as Hawaii. The generic name Leea honors Scottish plantsman, and author of the seminal Introduction to Botany (1760), James Lee (1715-1795). This fast-growing, erect plant tolerates considerable shade and thrives in moist soils with relatively poor fertility. It is favored as a landscape shrub for frost-free areas due to its beauty and ease of growth.