Coralberry, Hen's eyes, Spiceberry
Ardisia crenata
Family: Primulaceae
What it is like
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).
Ardisia crenata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a slow rate. 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, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay 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): 2
Where it is found
Woods in low mountains, C. and S. Japan. Forests, hillsides, valleys, shrubby areas, dark damp places at elevations of 100 - 2400 metres.
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, India.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed. In Singapore is listed as critically endangered.
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The root is anodyne, depurative, febrifuge. It is used to stimulate blood circulation.
Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.
Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Other
Rating: 1
Landscape Uses: Container. Used as an ornamental plant in shady conditions.
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 needs an essentially frost-free climate and is often grown as an indoor pot plant in Britain. This species is closely related to A. pseudocrispa, from which it differs in having crenate leaves with a distinct marginal vein. There has been some confusion between this species and A. crispa, the name Ardisia crispa was misapplied by de Candolle to Ardisia crenata. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Invasive, Fragrant flowers.
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: 7-10
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
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.