Coral berry
Ardisia crenata

Family: Primulaceae

What it is like

An evergreen shrub. It grows 1 m high and spreads 1 m wide. The stems are erect and branching. The leaves are shiny green. They have wavy edges. The leaves are arranged in rings around the stem. The flowers are white or pink. They have a scent. The fruit are bright red berries.

It is used in medicine. Also put in the family Myrsinaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is best in a rich, moist well-drained soil. It needs a partly shaded position. It is damaged by frost and drought. In China it grows between 100-2,400 m above sea level. Tropical Fruit World. In Brisbane Botanical Gardens. In XTBG Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Cambodia, China, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, North America, Northeastern India, Philippines, SE Asia, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves and fruit are cooked as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, vegetable

How it is grown

It can be grown by seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Comnguoi rang, Hen's eyes, Huomo, Jiangpu-jiangyapami, Kandetmean, Lempeni mata ayam, Lempeni natal, Mata itik, Trong-dua

Synonyms

Ardisia crispa (Thunb.) A. DC.