Shoe-button ardisia (Ardisia elliptica, Nov. gen. pl. 8:119. 1798)

Family: Primulaceae

Author: Thunb.

Bibliography: Nov. gen. pl. 8:119. 1798

Year: 1789

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ardisia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Nansei-shoto to Trop. Asia

Description

The Shoe-button ardisia, known scientifically as Ardisia elliptica, is a fascinating evergreen shrub notable for its ornamental appeal and versatility in tropical landscaping. First described by the botanist Thunberg in 1798 through the bibliography “Nov. gen. pl. 8:119,” this plant is a member of the Primulaceae family.

Originating from the Nansei-shoto region and extending through Tropical Asia, Ardisia elliptica thrives in warm, humid climates. It is well-adapted to a variety of soil types but prefers well-drained, fertile ground to flourish optimally. The plant is celebrated for its dense, glossy foliage and small, dark purple to black berries that resemble buttons, hence its common name “Shoe-button ardisia.”

Given its robust nature, the Shoe-button ardisia serves well as a hedge or border plant in gardens and parks. Its flowers, though small, are often admired for their delicate appearance and slight fragrance, attracting a variety of pollinators.

However, gardeners should note that the plant can be invasive in certain regions. Its berries are easily dispersed by birds, which can lead to unexpected propagation and competition with native flora. Responsible management and regular pruning can help maintain its decorative presence without the drawbacks of unwelcome spread.

In summary, Ardisia elliptica stands out as a versatile and attractive component of tropical landscapes, provided its growth is monitored to avoid invasive tendencies. Its rich botanical history and enduring appeal make it a plant of both aesthetic and ecological interest.

Common Names

Eng: shoebutton, shoe-button ardisia, shoebutton ardisia
En: Shoe-button ardisia, Shoebutton, China-shrub, Lampennè, Shoebutton ardisia
Bg: Елипсовидна ардизия
Zh: 兰屿树杞, 蘭嶼紫金牛
Fr: Ardisie elliptique
Id: Lempeni
Jv: Lempeni
Ms: Pokok Mempenai
Ml: കുഴിമുണ്ടൻ
Su: Lampeni
Zh-tw: 蘭嶼紫金牛
Th: รามใหญ่
Zh-hant: 蘭嶼樹杞

Synonyms

• Ardisia kotoensis (Hayata)
• Bladhia elliptica ((Thunb.) Nakai)
• Bladhia squamulosa ((C.Presl) Nakai)
• Ardisia littoralis (Andrews)
• Bladhia kotoensis ((Hayata) Nakai)
• Ardisia squamulosa (C.Presl)
• Ardisia sorsogonensis (Elmer ex Merr.)
• Willughbeia multilocularis (Blanco)
• Icacorea solanacea (Britton)
• Icacorea zeylanica (Lam. ex Schult.)
• Tinus squamulosa ((C.Presl) Kuntze)
• Icacorea humilis (Britton)
• Climacandra littoralis ((Andrews) Kurz)

Distribution

• Bangladesh (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• India (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Laos (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maldives (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Guyana (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Northern Territory (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Seychelles (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Leaf

Taken Oct 5, 2022 by janice Woodring (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by green.iris (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by green.iris (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2021 by Ribeiro Conceição (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by green.iris (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 1, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 1, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 29, 2021 by Zainal Zainal Nazam (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 1, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 24, 2004 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2020 by jenny dimayuga (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2019 by Danny (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 25, 2022 by Vinicio SINAC (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 1, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 31, 2022 by Lazarus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by green.iris (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2021 by sg Seah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 7, 2022 by Dave Emory (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 6, 2020 by Lenka Ryšánková Štarmanová (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5414375)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:586971-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ardisia elliptica Thunb.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth