There has been some confusion between this species and Ardisia crenata - the name Ardisia crispa was misapplied by de Candolle to Ardisia crenata[].

Common Name:

General Information

Ardisia crispa is an evergreen plant with more or less woody, often unbranched stems; it can grow 60 - 150cm tall .spreading by means of creeping rhizomes to form a clump[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. It is often grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its fruiting display.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - S. China, Japan, India.

Habitat

Evergreen forests, more or less shady places; at elevations from the lowlands to 800 metres[]. Mixed or broad-leaved forests, damp places, bamboo woods, hillsides and valleys; at elevations from 100 - 2,500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.20 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Ardisia crispa is only hardy outdoors in the milder regions of the temperate zone. One report says that it is hardy in zone 7 (tolerating temperatures down to between -10 and -15°c) but then goes on to suggest that, in all but the mildest regions, it is best grown in pots or tubs outdoors and moved into a cold greenhouse in the winter[].
Prefers a well-drained humus rich soil in partial shade in a position sheltered from cold drying winds[].
There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value, which is often based on the colour of their fruits[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw. Used in salads[].

Medicinal

The root is antidotal and diuretic[]. An infusion is pectoral[].

The plant is crushed and applied to scurf, it is also applied to the ears in the treatment of earache[].

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[].