Margyricarpus pinnatus aka Pearlfruit

Margyricarpus pinnatus is a small evergreen shrub in the rose family. Gardeners know it as pearl berry or pearl fruit. Its native range runs from Colombia to southern South America. It grows in dry coastal lands and mountains in Chile. In southern Brazil, it occurs in grassland and coastal forest. It also grows at moderate heights in tropical South America.

This woody plant spreads low across the ground. Its stems take root as they spread. It reaches about 1 foot [0.3 metres] tall, often staying lower. A grown plant can spread 3.3 feet [1 metre] wide. Its growth rate is moderate, and leaves remain year-round. Gardeners grow it for ground cover and its white fruit. It also suits beds and the sunny edges of woodland.

Flowers appear from July to August, according to Plants For A Future. Each flower has both male and female parts. Insects pollinate the flowers, and seeds ripen from August to September. The small white fruits each hold one seed. They measure about a quarter-inch across. Birds eat them, but uneaten fruits can remain sound for long periods. Cool, wet summers can limit the crop.

Give pearl berry sun and soil that drains well. Some shade during the hottest hours can suit it. It prefers lime-free ground that is not too rich. It accepts sandy, loamy, or clay soil with good drainage. Mildly acid to neutral soil suits it, and it prefers moisture. Sources advise shelter, though reports on coastal exposure differ. One account records success on an exposed site in Cornwall. Sources cite cold tolerance near 23°F, or −5°C. Plants For A Future reports survival through colder British winters. It lists USDA zones 8–11, but severe winters may cause losses.

People gather the fruit for food and use it raw or cooked. Its taste is mild, with a little sharpness. The small fruits take time to pick in useful amounts. Sources also record medicinal use as a diuretic. Both plant databases report no known hazards. Neither source gives specific pest or disease problems. Growers can raise plants from seed, cuttings, or layers. Seed may sprout slowly and may need a short cold spell. Young plants can spend their first winter under glass.