Ardisia crenata aka Coralberry

Ardisia crenata, or coralberry, is an evergreen shrub in the primrose family. Its native range spans northeast India, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. It grows beneath trees, on hillsides, and in damp valleys. The shrub has an upright form with a rounded outline. Several stems grow from the base. Garden plants reach about 4–6 feet [1.2–1.8 metres] tall and wide. Broader accounts give heights near 6.6 feet [2 metres]. Some plants reach 9.8 feet [3 metres].

The dark green leaves give the plant a dense look. Each leaf is simple, thick, glossy, and leathery. Leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. They are narrow to oval, with rounded teeth or wavy edges. Leaf stalks may have a red tint. Small flowers form clusters along the sides of the stems. They have a star shape and white to pale pink petals. The flowers have a scent but can be hard to see. Two garden sources place flowering in May and June. Another source gives late summer.

The fruit gives coralberry much of its garden value. Each fleshy drupe holds one seed. Green fruits turn bright red between September and December. They can stay until the next year's flowers appear. This long display adds colour through winter. Songbirds and small mammals eat the fruit. Fallen fruit also leads to new plants around the parent. Growers raise the shrub from seeds or stem cuttings.

Coralberry grows in partial shade and can take full shade. Strong sun can scorch its leaves. It prefers rich, acidic soil that stays moist but drains well. Avoid waterlogged ground, since the shrub cannot withstand flooding. Established plants can cope with some drought. Too much heat may stop fruit production. Outdoor hardiness spans USDA zones 8–10. Where it is not invasive, gardeners use it in shaded borders and woodland gardens. It also grows in pots indoors or outdoors.

Few serious pests or diseases trouble this shrub. Its spread poses a greater concern than these problems. It invades parts of the southern United States, Africa, and Oceania. Established colonies can be hard to control. Check local rules before planting it outdoors. Reports of food use differ between sources. PFAF lists no edible uses; Useful Tropical Plants reports local food use. Both list no known hazards, but that does not establish safety. Roots have traditional medicinal uses, including pain and fever relief.