Ardisia crispa var. crispa ("Karatachibana")

Japanese name: カラタチバナ （唐橘）
Scientific name: Ardisia crispa var. crispa

[Overview]
An evergreen low shrub found in evergreen forests.
It is about 20–100 cm tall, with erect stems that do not branch.
It has creeping stems.
Leaves are simple and alternate, narrowly ovate, 8–20 cm long and 1.5–4 cm wide, with pointed tips and wavy teeth on the margins.
The leaves are glossy on the upper surface and thick, hairless on both sides or with fine scale-like hairs only on the underside.
The leaf stalk is 8–10 mm long.
Umbels emerge from the leaf axils or the axils of scale leaves, bearing about 10 flowers.
The flowers are white, about 7–8 mm across; the corolla is 5-lobed with the tips curled back.
The fruit is spherical, 6–7 mm across, and ripens red.

[History]
Because its leaves stay green even in winter and it bears red fruit in winter, it has long been used as an auspicious plant for New Year alcove decorations.
It is one of the classical horticultural plants, and together with Yabukoji and Manryo, many cultivars were created in the Edo period, differing in leaf variation and fruit color.
Its popularity continued into the Meiji period, but not many cultivars survive today.

[Uses]
The aboveground part is used medicinally.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by grafting.
For seed, completely remove the pulp from fully ripe fruit, leaving only the seeds, and sow them immediately.
It takes 3–4 years to flower.
A bright shady place with well-drained, moderately moist, fertile soil and no exposure to strong wind is suitable.
In winter, protect it from cold wind, and in cold regions provide protection against the cold.
For potted plants, water when the soil surface dries.
For plants in the garden, watering is unnecessary unless the soil becomes extremely dry.
Excess moisture causes root rot.
Fertilizer is not particularly needed.
Spider mites can occur.

[Notes]
The alternative name Hyakuryo-kin comes from the fact that, in the Kansei era of the Edo period, unusual cultivars were traded at high prices in units of 100 ryo.

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