Marlberry
Ardisia japonica
Family: Primulaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Mid summer. Form: Prostrate, Variable spread.
Ardisia japonica is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from December to March. 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): 0.5
Where it is found
Woods in hills and low mountains all over Japan. Mixed forests or bamboo woods, hillsides and dark damp places at elevations up to 1200 metres.
E. Asia - China, Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 3
This plant is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, especially in cases of bronchitis, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs. Carminative, depurative, expectorant, stimulates blood circulation. The leaves are used in the treatment of cancer and hepatoma. A decoction of the stems is used in the treatment of coughs and uterine bleeding. The root is antidote and diuretic. The plant is depurative.
Antidote: Counters poisoning.
Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.
Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Other
Rating: 0
Plants can be grown as a trimmed hedge.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Container. Prefers a well-drained humus rich soil in partial shade in a position sheltered from cold drying winds. Hardy to about -10°c, it succeeds outdoors in S.W. England but is not wholly hardy at Kew. It does well in a woodland situation. A number of cultivars have been developed for their ornamental value. 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; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-10
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist