Edible : Leaves, Vegetable,
A small tree. It grows to 3 m high. The branches are 5-7 mm across. The leaf stalk has a canal and is 6-10 mm long. The leaves are sword shape but fattest in the middle. They are 15-18 cm long by 5-7 cm wide. They are leathery. There are about 12 side veins on each side of the midrib. The flower arrangement is like a pyramid at the top of the plant. This is 8-17 cm high. The flowers are leathery. They are pink or purplish red and 5-6 mm across. The fruit are red or purplish black and round. They are 6 mm across.
A tropical plant. It grows in mixed forest and open fields between sea level and 1100 m altitude in S China. It needs rich moist soils It is best in a shaded position. It is damaged by frost or drought. Adelaide Botanical Gardens. Melbourne Botanical gardens hothouse.
Common names : Ardisia, Low shoe-button berry, Ai zi jin niu, Comnguoi thap, Duck's eye, Jet berry, Lempei ata itik, Parok detok, Rumpeni,
Synonyms :
Ardisia hainanensis Mez.;
Ardisia pyrgina Saint Lager;
Ardisia pyrgus Roemer & Schuktes;
Tinus humilis (Vahl) Kuntze;