How to identify Marlberry (Ardisia japonica)
Marlberry is characterized by its evergreen, low-profile nature, typically reaching 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) in stature. This shrub thrives in the shade and has a propensity to spread through runners, enabling it to densely carpet the forest floor. Its growth habit allows it to form expansive colonies over time. Marlberry has several varieties, and the variegated ones are noted for their reduced tolerance to cold temperatures.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Shrub
Leaf Type: Evergreen
Low-profile evergreen shrub growing 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tall.
Star-shaped white to pale pink flowers in July-August, 3/8 inch (1 cm) wide.
Bright red drupes, 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) wide, lasting throughout winter.
Dark green, serrated leaves, 1.5-3 inches (3.8-7.6 cm) long, glossy and leathery.
Slender stems, 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) long, smooth when mature, with fine hairs on young stems.
The leaves of marlberry are dark green, thick, glossy, and leathery with serrated margins. They are simple, alternate, and range from elliptic to lanceolate in shape. The leaves typically measure 1.5 to 3 inches (3.8 to 7.6 cm) in length and 0.6 to 1.5 inches (1.5 to 3.8 cm) in width. They are densely concentrated near the end of the branches. In spring, new leaves emerge in shades of light green, copper, or bronze.
Marlberry flowers bloom from July to August, displaying delicate white to pale pink hues. Each bloom is star-shaped, measures about 3/8 inch (1 cm) in diameter, and is arranged in racemes below the new foliage. The flowers feature a symmetric petal arrangement, adding to their distinct appearance. With a modest size and gentle color, they contribute subtly to the plant's overall aesthetic without overwhelming it.
The stem of marlberry measures 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) in length. Mature stems are glabrescent, exhibiting a smooth texture, while young stems are characterized by fine, soft hairs. The stems are slender and exhibit a light green to slightly reddish-brown color. They tend to have a modest thickness and a moderately branching pattern, contributing to the plant’s dense foliage. These characteristics are key for identifying marlberry and distinguishing it from similar species.
The fruit of marlberry manifests as bright red drupes that emerge in September, reaching maturity between October and November. These spherical fruits flaunt a diameter of approximately 0.25 inches (6.35 mm), presenting a lustrous, fleshy exterior encasing a hardened inner stone, which safeguards the seed. The vividly colored drupes can often be observed clinging to the shrub throughout the winter months, adding a pop of color to the otherwise subdued landscape.
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Scientific Classification of Marlberry
