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Christmas berry

How to identify Christmas berry (Ardisia crenata)

Christmas berry, also known as Coral ardisia, Australian holly, Spiceberry, Hilo holly, Scratch throat

Christmas berry is characterized by its enduring, vertical growth, reaching heights of up to 6 feet (1.83 meters). The plant's notable features include its glossy, deep green leaves which are elegantly edged with blunt notches reminiscent of crenulations. These leaves prominently showcase pointed anthers within its flowers, a distinct trait of the species. The shrub's compact form adds to its allure, with leaves arranged in a dense, attractive manner.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Christmas berry

1

Vertical growth up to 6 feet (1.83 meters)

2

Leaves with crenulated edges and pointed anthers

3

Star-shaped white to pink flowers in clusters

4

Glossy red berries persistently attached to branches

5

Thick, glossy, leathery leaves with wavy margins

Christmas berryChristmas berryChristmas berryChristmas berryChristmas berry

Detailed Traits of Christmas berry

Leaf Features

The leaves of christmas berry are alternate, simple, thick, and glossy. They are leathery in texture and exhibit a dark green color. Measuring between 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) in length and 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm) in width, the leaves are characterized by their substantial size. Each leaf has a wavy or crenate margin and presents a visibly prominent and clear vein pattern, which aids in their identification.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

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Flower Features

The flowers of christmas berry bloom in small, thick clusters of star-shaped blossoms, predominantly white to pale pink. Each flower, typically measuring about 0.2 inches (5 mm) across, features five petals arranged symmetrically. The blooms form lateral sprays, occurring from May to June, and are generally inconspicuous. Despite their subtle appearance, the precise star-shaped formation and the soft coloring are notable characteristics that aid in identification.

Christmas berry Flower image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of christmas berry manifests as striking, glossy berries. Originating green, they undergo a vibrant transformation to a bright red hue as they mature from September through December. These spherical drupes, small in stature, are a notable feature, often seen adorning the plant with their 0.25-0.5 inches (6-13 mm) diameter. The berries have a persistent nature, typically remaining attached to the branches long after the end of their ripening stage, even until the subsequent year's blossoming period.

Christmas berry Fruit imageChristmas berry Fruit imageChristmas berry Fruit image
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Key Facts About Christmas berry

Attributes of Christmas berry
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
46 cm to 1.8 m
Spread
1.2 m to 1.5 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
4 mm to 6 mm
Flower Color
White
Pink
Fruit Color
Red
Green
White
Pink
Burgundy
Stem Color
Green
Cream
Leaf type
Evergreen
The Toxicity of Christmas berry
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Scientific Classification of Christmas berry

Family
Primrose
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Species
Christmas berry (Ardisia crenata)
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Distribution Map of Christmas berry

Christmas berry is a plant with a native range that encompasses major regions in Southeast Asia. In cultivation, it has spread to various temperate and tropical regions, indicating a wide horticultural appreciation. While christmas berry enjoys popularity in gardens, it is sometimes thought to be invasive in certain areas, where it may have an impact on local ecosystems. Notably, distribution extends into eastern regions and also to islands in the Pacific, where its presence has been recorded.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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