Spicy berry
Ardisia squamulosa

Family: Primulaceae

What it is like

A small shrub or tree. It grows 1-2 m tall. It can grow 10 m tall and be 15 cm across the trunk. The leaves are alternate, rather slender and pointed at both ends. They are 6-15 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. The flowers are white or pink and have a smell. They are borne on compound flower arrangements at or near the ends of branches. About 4-5 flowers occur together. The flower arrangements are 1 cm long. The fruit are dark blue or purple, round and less than 1 cm across.

There are about 250-300 Ardisia species. They are mainly in the tropics. The fresh fruit are 29% water, 15% protein, 2% fat, 22% carbohydrates, 27% fibre and 5% ash. Also put in the family Myrsinaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They are widely distributed in primary forest at low and medium altitudes in the Philippines. It grows up to 1000 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Cambodia, Indochina, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The fruit and flowers are cooked and eaten with fish.

Flowers and fruit are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Fruit, flowers, spice

How it is grown

Plants are grown by seed.

Its other names

Local names

Babagion, Ba'y ka'k, Butau, Tagpo

Synonyms

Ardisia boissieri A.DC.; Ardisia drupacea (Blanco) Merrill; Ardisia humilis auct. non Vahl;