Ardisia thyrsiflora

Family: Primulaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 2-5 m tall. The leaves are narrowly sword shaped. They are 12-20 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. They are entire and have gland dots. The flowers are red and in groups. The fruit is flattened and has red dots. They are 4 mm across. The fruit are 5 angled.

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

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. In Assam it grows up to 1,300 m above sea level. It grows in valleys and damp places. Hobart Botanical Gardens. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Tasmania, Tibet, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten fresh.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Hanvo-ok, Pachala rong, Thengpi chorleng

Synonyms

Ardisia floribunda Wall.; Illegitimate and others