Coral berry, Bloodberry
Rivina humilis

Family: Phytolaccaceae

What it is like

A herb or shrub. It grows 1-2 m high. The stems are erect and slender. They are often woody near the base. The leaves are alternate and taper to the tip. They are 4-12 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. They are bright green. They are sword shaped with a rounded shoulder at the base. The leaf stalk is about the same length as the leaf blade. The flowering cluster is near the ends of branches and is like a slender spike. The flowers are small and white. The fruit is round or pear shaped. They are 3-4 mm across. It is bright red. There is one seed inside. The seeds are black. The crushed leaves have a strong smell.

There are 3 Rivina species. The occur in tropical America. The berries yield a red dye. Probably in a hot house in Slovenia.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It usually grows on the edges of rainforests. It suits humid locations. It also grows in shaded places in warm climates. In tropical Queensland it grows from sea level to 900 m altitude. In Africa it grows between 550-1,300 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Anguilla, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Terr., BIOT, Caribbean, Central America (country/location of origin), China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Fiji, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Mexico (country/location of origin), Mozambique, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, North America, Pacific, Pakistan, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, South America (country/location of origin), Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uruguay, USA, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, West Indies (country/location of origin), Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Caution: The fruit may be slightly toxic.

Edible parts

Fruit, caution

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Baby peppers, Beri merah darah, Blood-berry, Guapurucito, Getih-getihan, Riviet, Rouge-plant, Turkey berry, Yam meeme

Synonyms

Rivina glabra L.; Rivina humilis var. gabra (L.) H. Walter; Rivina laevis Linn.;