Myrsinaceae

Ardisia elliptica

Common Names: Shoebutton ardisia

Plant Form: Branching shrub or small tree. Size: Up to 4 m tall. Stem: Single main stem with short spreading branches. Younger branches prominently angled and hairless. Leaf stalks green or reddish. Leaves: Elongated oval shaped, up to 20 cm long, leathery, with smooth edges, hairless and with pointed or rounded tips. Flowers: Small, star shaped, with 5 pinkish petals. In clusters in upper leaf forks of main branches. Fruit and Seeds: Bright red to blackish, fleshy, round and berry like, in clusters. Contain single round hard seed. Habitat: Wet forests, riparian areas, disturbed sites. Distinguishing Features: Smooth leaf edges differ from most other Ardisia species. Impacts: Forms dense stands, displacing native species.

immature fruit

foliage

ripe fruit are black

a small understorey plant