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Summary
An evergreen shrub with attractive red berries, native to east and southeast Asia and parts of India, which grows to 2m (6ft) as an understorey forest plant. The root is anodyne, depurative, febrifuge and used to stimulate blood circulation. Used as an ornamental plant in shady conditions. Bloom Color: White.
Main Bloom Time: Late summer. Form: Rounded, Upright or erect.
Common Names: Australian holly; Christmas berry; coral ardisia; coral berry tree; coral bush; hen's eyes; Hilo holly; scratchthroat; spiceberry. French: arbre à noël; arbre de noël; ardisie crénelée; baie corail; bois de noël. Chinese: zhu sha gen. Germany: gewürzbeere; spitzenblume. Japan: manryo. South Africa: koraalbessieboom (Afrikaans).
Physical Characteristics
Ardisia crenata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a slow rate.
It is hardy to zone (UK) 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from September to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Synonyms
Habitats
Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Edible Uses
None known
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Anodyne; Depurative; Febrifuge.
The root is anodyne, depurative, febrifuge[147, 218]. It is used to stimulate blood circulation[147].
Other Uses
Landscape Uses: Container. Used as an ornamental plant in shady conditions.
Cultivation details
Prefers a well-drained humus rich soil in partial shade in a position sheltered from cold drying winds[200]. We are not sure if this plant is hardy outdoors in Britain. One report says that it is hardy in zone 7 (tolerating temperatures down to between -10 and -15°c) but then goes on to suggest that it needs an essentially frost-free climate and is often grown as an indoor pot plant in Britain[200]. This species is closely related to A. pseudocrispa, from which it differs in having crenate leaves with a distinct marginal vein[266]. There has been some confusion between this species and A. crispa, the name Ardisia crispa was misapplied by de Candolle to Ardisia crenata[266]. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Invasive, Fragrant flowers.
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Propagation
Seed - best harvested when it is ripe in the winter and sown immediately in a greenhouse[1]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady part of the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, once the plants are 20cm or more tall. Cuttings of half-ripe wood in summer[200]. Grow on in cool, shaded humid conditions until well rooted[200].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
This plant can be weedy or invasive. An invasive species in parts of the USA (Florida and Hawaii), a number of Pacific Islands, and Australia. As a native it is also invasive in the Philippines, Japan and Taiwan.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed. In Singapore is listed as critically endangered.
Expert comment
Author
Sims.
Botanical References
58200266
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
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