Rambling spearflower
Ardisia brevipedata

Family: Primulaceae

What it is like

A shrub up to 3 m high. It spreads 1-1.5 m wide. The leaves are simple and 5-15 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. They are pale green. The flowers are small and white. They occur in a ball. These are crowded in a cluster on a slender stem. The fruit are 10-15 mm long. Fruit are bright red. They usually hang singly in the axils of leaves. There is one seed inside. The flesh is edible.

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 rainforest. It needs moist conditions and a well-drained soil. In tropical Queensland it grows between sea level and 1400 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The flesh can be eaten in small amounts.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Bladhia brevipedata (F. Muell.) F. Muell.;