Marlberry

Ardisia escallonioides Schlecht. & Cham.

are-DIZ-ee-ah  ess-ka-loan-ee-OY-deez

Myrsinaceae

Explanation of name: Ardisia comes from Greek for point, the significance of this not clear (BA1). The specific epithet presumably refers to similarity to the genus Escallonia.

Natural range: Florida, Mexico, West Indies. In hammocks and pinelands.

Recognition: Shade-loving shrub or small tree with dark green, simple, alternate leaves with translucent marks. Flowers numerous, bisexual, in panicles, white (to becoming faintly lilac). Fruits numerous, pea-sized, black. There are two introduced species, separated in the key above:

Shoebutton Ardisia (Ardisia elliptica Thunb.) is a FEPPC Category I invasive exotic with lilac flowers.

Coral Ardisia (Ardisia crenata Sims) is likewise a Category I invasive exotic.

Landscape uses: A high quality native shrub for shade. Texture is dense and coarse, with large glossy leaves. Produces basal suckers and sometimes rhizomes. The white to lilac-tinged flowers are small but numerous in autumn, as are the black drupes which feed birds.