Christmas berry (Chironia baccifera)

Christmas berry

Christmas berry is a captivating evergreen shrub, distinguished by its lush, green foliage and clusters of star-shaped, pinkish blooms. These vibrant flowers contrast beautifully with its red, berry-like fruits, which emerge in summer and remain through winter. Thriving in well-drained soil, christmas berry typically colonizes open woodlands and grassy slopes, its fruits being a valuable food source for local wildlife.

Scientific classification

Species

Christmas berry (Chironia baccifera)

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

50 cm to 1 m

Plant Height

Evergreen

Leaf type

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Christmas berry

Distribution of Christmas berry

Distribution Map

Christmas berry, a plant species with a limited distribution, is originally native to the southern region of Africa. Over time, it has not been widely introduced or naturalized to other major global regions outside its native range. Its presence remains mostly restricted to its indigenous southern African habitats.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Sandy flats, slopes, coastal sand dunes

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Christmas berry

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Christmas berry requires moderate watering, thriving in balanced humidity. It is drought tolerant and needs watering every 2-3 weeks. As an evergreen, christmas berry retains its leaves year-round, necessitating consistent moisture for its lush appearance.

Fertilize: Fertilizing christmas berry ensures robust growth and quality berries. Use a balanced NPK fertilizer monthly in spring and summer, adjusting for plant size. Apply high-nitrogen formulas during foliar growth and switch to balanced before blooming. Water post-application and consider slow-release granules for convenience.

Pruning: Christmas berry thrives with vibrant berries and compact growth, needing early to late winter pruning. Trim dead branches to enhance growth, shape, and berry yield, while improving air circulation to minimize disease. Make clean cuts above nodes and address crossing branches for visual appeal and vigor.

Propagation: Native to Southern Africa, christmas berry is a perennial shrub valued for its red berries. Effective propagation involves stem cuttings at a 45-degree angle, using rooting hormone and well-draining soil. Regular misting increases humidity, while careful handling during transplanting ensures healthy root establishment.

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