Japanese name: セイロンマンリョウ Scientific name:Ardisia elliptica
[Overview]
An evergreen shrub or small tree, usually 2–3 m tall, reaching 5 m in its native range.
It is found in forests from the tropics to the subtropics.
The leaves are simple and alternate, elliptical and up to 15 cm long, thick and smooth, with entire margins.
There is a short petiole.
In its native range it flowers throughout the year.
Umbels emerge from the leaf axils.
The flowers are pale pink to pale purple, and the corolla is 5-lobed and opens in a star shape.
The fruit is oblate; it is white at first, turns red as it matures, and then ripens to blackish purple.
[Uses]
In Southeast Asia it is used as a folk medicine.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by cuttings.
For seed, completely remove the pulp from fully ripe fruit and sow the seeds immediately after harvest.
It prefers fertile, moderately moist soil that is well drained and retains water well.
It can grow in conditions from full sun to shade, but strong summer sun may scorch the leaves.
Water thoroughly when the soil surface dries.
From spring to autumn, apply slow-release fertilizer placed on the soil.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
[Notes]
It is designated as an invasive alien species requiring caution under the Invasive Alien Species Act, and has also been selected as one of the World's 100 Worst Invasive Alien Species.
