Black beautyberry, Mexican beautyberry
Callicarpa acuminata
Family: Lamiaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 2 m high. The leaves are large and oblong and taper to the tip. They have a dense covering underneath. The flowers are 2.5 cm long. They are in groups in the axils of leaves. The fruit are black and fleshy with a stone inside. They are 5 cm across.
Previously in the Verbenaceae family.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, North America, USA
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit