Ardisia elliptica

Ardisia elliptica

(Shoebutton Ardisia, Ardisia)

FAMILY

Myrsinaceae

Species

Ardisia elliptica

Common name

Shoebutton Ardisia, Ardisia

Flower colour; life form

White, mauve; shrub

Campus

Townsville

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.

Ardisia elliptica