Spiceberry shrub
Ardisia polycephala
Family: Primulaceae
What it is like
A small tree. It grows 5 m tall. The bark is brownish-grey and warty. The leaves are alternate and sword shaped. The flowers are in groups at the end of the plant. They are pink and star shaped. The fruit are round berries. They are 7 mm across. They are fleshy and red to bark purple or black. There is one seed.
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 along riverbanks. Adelaide Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Slovenia
How it is used for food
Young plants are eaten as a vegetable. The ripe fruit are eaten raw.
Edible parts
Leaves, fruit, vegetable
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Dieng-soh-sying, Lempeni kelereng, Thaidi bu