This small, straight Gram negative rod is motile by peritrichous flagella. Some strains produce gas from glucose. Growth is often nonpigmented at 35-37 C but can exhibit pigments (typically orange or red) at 25 C. Rarely isolated, it has been found in blood, the respiratory tract, wounds, and feces. It can be isolated infrequently from natural environments like fruits, vegetables, and ripe coconuts.