Appearance

Ardisia elliptica is a tall shrub or small tree that can reach heights of 20 ft. (6.1 m).

Foliage

The leathery leaves are 3-6 in. (7.6-15.2 cm) long, 1 in. (2.5 cm) wide, elliptical and entire.

Flowers

Most flowering occurs in the summer, but flowering can continue year-round. The flowers are small, pink, star-shaped and hang in clusters from the axils of the leaves.

Fruit

Fruits are drupes that are rounded, fleshy, 0.3 in. (8 mm) in diameter, and start out red in color but turn black or purple as they mature.

Ecological Threat

Ardisia elliptica grows well in low, wet areas and in old fields. This species is shade-tolerant. Birds eat the fruit and so disperse the seeds. Ardisia elliptica is a native of Southeast Asia and was introduced into the United States as an ornamental in the late 1800’s.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Florida Invasive Plant Council - Plant List - Category I
• Florida Noxious Weeds
• Hawaii Noxious Weeds
• Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
• Reichard, Sarah. 1994.  Assessing the potential of invasiveness in woody plants introduced in North America. University of Washington Ph.D. dissertation.
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States

References