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Ardisia crispa - (Thunb.)A.DC.

Common Name
Family Primulaceae
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Woods in low mountains, C. and S. Japan[58]. Mixed or broad-leaved forests, damp places, bamboo woods, hillsides and valleys at elevations of 100 - 2500 metres[266].
Range E. Asia - S. China, Japan, India.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade
Ardisia crispa


Ardisia crispa

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Ardisia crispa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 2 m (6ft 7in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses:

Leaves - raw. Used in salads[218].

References   More on Edible Uses

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.
Antidote  Diuretic  Pectoral

The root is antidotal and diuretic[218]. An infusion is pectoral[218]. The plant is crushed and applied to scurf, it is also applied to the ears in the treatment of earache[218].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

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 is best grown in pots or tubs outdoors and moved into a cold greenhouse in the winter[200]. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[200]. The plant has creeping rhizomes[266]. There has been some confusion between this species and A. crenata, the name Ardisia crispa was misapplied by de Candolle to Ardisia crenata[266].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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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

Native Plant Search

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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.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Ardisia crenataCoralberry, Hen's eyes, SpiceberryShrub2.0 7-10 SLMHSM011
Ardisia japonicaMarlberryShrub0.5 8-10 MLMHSM032
Ardisia sieboldiiDuo Zhi Zi Jin NiuShrub6.0 0-0  LMHSM100

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

(Thunb.)A.DC.

Botanical References

58200266

Links / References

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Subject : Ardisia crispa  
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