Ardisia

Family: Myrsinaceae
Common Name: Coral Berry

This genus of around 250 species is native to tropical and warm areas, including Malaysia and China. These pretty trees and shrubs are often found in Japanese gardens, but are also successful indoors. They have glossy, leathery leaves, small, white or dark pink fragrant flowers and showy, berry-like fruits which sometimes survive for over a year.

Species

A. crenata comes in single-stemmed forms for potting and multi-stemmed forms for the garden. The wavy-edged, shiny green leaves form layered circles and the fragrant white or deep brownish pink flowers are followed by long-lasting rich red berries. It grows to 1 m (3 ft). This species, often confused with A. crispa, is also fairly well known and invariably grown in greenhouses or homes. There is also a white-flowered cultivar named 'Alba'.

Cultivation

Ardisia requires partial shade and a well-drained, humus-rich soil. It does best in a warm, humid Climate or in a well-lit room if grown indoors. Collect seed from the plants and sow in spring, or propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer.