Ardisia elliptica

(Shoebutton Ardisia, Ardisia)

Description

This shrub has become naturalised and is spreading into bushland areas where the seeds have been dispersed by birds. The obovate leaves to usually about 9-12 cm long have a reddish petiole. The white to pink to mauve flowers are star-shaped and in pendulous axillary clusters. These are followed by fleshy black fruits to about 5 mm diameter. Flowering in summer. This species has been confused with A. solanacea, which does not occur in Australia.