| Ardisia crenata | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Myrsinaceae |
| Genus: | Ardisia |
| Species: | A. crenata |
| Binomial name | |
| Ardisia crenata Sims[1] |
|
Ardisia crenata is a species of flowering plant in the colicwood family, Myrsinaceae, that is native to East Asia. It is known by a variety of names such as coral bush, coralberry, coralberry tree, hen's-eyes, and spiceberry.[1] A. crenata is a compact shrub that reaches 1 metre (3.3 ft), often with a single stem. Leaves are dark green, thick, glossy, and have tightly waved edges The flowers are small, white or reddish, fragrant, and form clusters. The fruit is a glossy, bright red drupe. The seeds are able to germinate under a dense canopy and are dispersed by birds and humans.[2]
This invasive species was introduced to the United States in the early twentieth century as an ornamental species. It was observed to have escaped cultivation in 1982.[3]