There has been some confusion between this species and Ardisia crispa, the name Ardisia crispa was misapplied by de Candolle to Ardisia crenata[].
This species is closely related to Ardisia pseudocrispa, from which it differs in having crenate leaves with a distinct marginal vein[].

Common Name: Coralberry

General Information

Ardisia crenata is an erect, evergreen shrub usually growing 1 - 2 metres tall, occasionally to 3 metres[, ]. The plant forms a multi-stemmed shrub, with branches only occurring on the flowering stem[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. It is often grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its dark foliage and red berries, it can also be grown as a hedge[, ].
The plant is commonly grown as an ornamental and sometimes escapes from cultivation. It has naturalized in disturbed mesic valleys and forest in Hawaii, for example, where the plant is considered to be invasive[]. The plant has become highly invasive in mesic forests in several regions of the world (e.g. Mascarene Islands, Hawaii, Seychelles) where it causes a reduction in the presence and diversity of native understorey plant species. Its fruit is easily spread by indigenous or introduced birds[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines.

Habitat

Woods in low mountains, C. and S. Japan[]. Forests, hillsides, valleys, shrubby areas, dark damp places at elevations of 100 - 2,400 metres[]. Secondary forests and open vegetations, often in villages and on seashores[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Coralberry is a plant of the warm temperate to tropical zones.
Prefers a well-drained humus rich soil in partial shade in a position sheltered from cold drying winds[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. A sweet flavour[]. The fruit is a red, globose drupe 5 - 8mm in diameter[].

Leaves - used as a vegetable in salads[].

Medicinal

The crushed plants, or their extracted juice, are used in the treatment of skin diseases and earache[].

The root is anodyne, depurative, febrifuge[, ]. The juice from the root is used as a treatment against fever, cough and diarrhoea[]. It is used to stimulate blood circulation[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants respond well to trimming and can be grown as a hedge[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best harvested when it is ripe in the winter and sown immediately in a greenhouse[]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady part of the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, once the plants are 20cm or more tall.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood in summer[]. Grow on in cool, shaded humid conditions until well rooted[].