Ardisia crispa
Family: Primulaceae
What it is like
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.
Height (m): 1.2
Where it is found
Woods in low mountains, C. and S. Japan. Mixed or broad-leaved forests, damp places, bamboo woods, hillsides and valleys at elevations of 100 - 2500 metres.
E. Asia - S. China, Japan, India.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - raw. Used in salads.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The root is antidotal and diuretic. An infusion is pectoral. The plant is crushed and applied to scurf, it is also applied to the ears in the treatment of earache.
Antidote: Counters poisoning.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
Prefers a well-drained humus rich soil in partial shade in a position sheltered from cold drying winds. 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. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value. The plant has creeping rhizomes. There has been some confusion between this species and A. crenata, the name Ardisia crispa was misapplied by de Candolle to Ardisia crenata.
Propagating it: Seed - best harvested when it is ripe in the winter and sown immediately in a greenhouse. 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. Grow on in cool, shaded humid conditions until well rooted.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist