Ardisia, Low shoe-button berry
Ardisia humilis

Family: Primulaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows to 3 m high. The branches are 5-7 mm across. The leaf stalk has a canal and is 6-10 mm long. The leaves are sword shape but fattest in the middle. They are 15-18 cm long by 5-7 cm wide. They are leathery. There are about 12 side veins on each side of the midrib. The flower arrangement is like a pyramid at the top of the plant. This is 8-17 cm high. The flowers are leathery. They are pink or purplish red and 5-6 mm across. The fruit are red or purplish black and round. They are 6 mm across.

There are about 250-300 Ardisia species. They are mainly in the tropics. Also put in the family Myrsinaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in mixed forest and open fields between sea level and 1100 m altitude in S China. It needs rich moist soils It is best in a shaded position. It is damaged by frost or drought. Adelaide Botanical Gardens. Melbourne Botanical gardens hothouse.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Andamans, Asia, Australia, China, India, Indochina, Indonesia (country/location of origin), Malaysia, Myanmar, Northeastern India, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Ai zi jin niu, Comnguoi thap, Duck's eye, Jet berry, Lempei ata itik, Parok detok, Rumpeni

Synonyms

Ardisia hainanensis Mez.; Ardisia pyrgina Saint Lager; Ardisia pyrgus Roemer & Schuktes; Tinus humilis (Vahl) Kuntze;