Family: Primulaceae
Author: Sims
Bibliography: Bot. Mag. 45: t. 1950 (1817)
Year: 1817
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ardisia
Vegetable: False
Observations: NE. India to Japan and Philippines
Description
The Coralberry, scientifically named Ardisia crenata, is an alluring and diverse flora species found predominantly in the northeast regions of India, extending its range to Japan and the Philippines. This captivating plant belongs to the Primulaceae family, a family known for its numerous ornamental and medicinal contributions.
First described in 1817 by Sims in the Botanical Magazine (volume 45, table 1950), the Coralberry distinguishes itself through its glossy, dark green leaves that possess a finely crenated edge, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The plant is especially notable for its clusters of small, bright red berries, which contrast strikingly against the foliage. These berries not only lend an exceptional decorative element to gardens but also play a role in local ecosystems, providing sustenance to various bird species throughout the year.
Ardisia crenata thrives in subtropical climates, favoring warm, moist environments where it can often be found growing in forested areas. Despite its exotic origins, it has garnered popularity in ornamental horticulture worldwide due to its hardiness and minimal care requirements. When cultivated, Coralberries typically prefer shaded or partially shaded spots, simulating their natural understory habitat, and well-draining, fertile soil.
The plant exhibits an arching growth habit and can reach a height of around 1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet), making it an ideal choice for use in garden borders, foundation plantings, or as a striking standalone specimen plant. Furthermore, Coralberry’s resilience and adaptability have led to its use in indoor plant arrangements and container gardening, proving it to be a versatile addition to any plant enthusiast’s collection.
In traditional practices within its native range, parts of the Coralberry plant have been utilized for their medicinal properties. However, it is essential to note that despite these historical uses, care should be taken, as the plant’s berries and other parts may be toxic if ingested by humans.
A remarkable blend of beauty and endurance, Ardisia crenata, continues to capture the interest of gardeners and botanists alike, offering both visual splendor and a connection to the rich biodiversity of its native habitats.
Common Names
Deu: gewürzbeere, spitzenblume
Eng: hen’s eyes, coral ardisia, coralberry, coralberry-tree, coralbush, hen’s-eyes, spiceberry
Swe: ardisia
Fra: baie corail
Afr: koraalbessieboom
En: Coralberry, Coralberry-tree, Coralbush, Hen’s-eyes, Spiceberry, Hen’s eyes, Scratchthroat, Coral ardisia, Coral berry
Af: Koraalbessieboom
Zh: Zhu sha gen, 朱砂根, 珠砂根, 鐵雨傘
Fi: Ardisia
Fr: Baie corail, Bois de Nöel, Ardisie crénelée, Bois de Noël
De: Gewürzbeere, Spitzenblume
Ko: 백량금
Fa: آردیسیا
Sv: Ardisia
Zh-tw: 硃砂根
Th: จ้าเครือ
Zh-hant: 硃砂根
Vi: Trọng đũa
Synonyms
- Bladhia crenata ((Sims) H.Hara)
Distribution
- Assam (native)
- Cambodia (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Hainan (native)
- India (native)
- Japan (native)
- Korea (native)
- Laos (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Sri Lanka (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Georgia (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
- Louisiana (introduced)
- Mauritius (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- Réunion (introduced)
- Seychelles (introduced)
- Texas (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Aug 20, 2020 by monot clémence (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2020 by monot clémence (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 2, 2019 by Eliott Barichasse (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2020 by frances miller (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 20, 2020 by monot clémence (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Stefano VAVA (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 4, 2020 by Zsofi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 12, 2019 by Julien Gi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 10, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 20, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 24, 2012 by E. Mouysset (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2021 by doumé (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 9, 2019 by Leah Cross (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Pierre-Sylvain Damaggio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 1, 1990 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Prishnee BISSESSUR (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Prishnee BISSESSUR (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Nov 24, 2012 by E. Mouysset (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 24, 2012 by E. Mouysset (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 24, 2012 by H. Goëau (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 24, 2012 by H. Goëau (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 24, 2012 by E. Mouysset (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Nov 21, 2022 by Marzena Winiarek (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 6, 2021 by ryan dumire (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Prishnee BISSESSUR (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 3, 2021 by dominoel dominoel (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:586890-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5414379)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ardisia crenata Sims)
Specifications
Growth habit: Shrub