What is "ardisia crenata"

coralberry \coralberry\ n.

1. a North American deciduous shrub ( Symphoricarpos orbiculatus) cultivated for its abundant clusters of coral-red berrylike fruits.

   Syn: Indian currant, Symphoricarpos orbiculatus.

2. shrub ( Ardisia crenata) with coral-red berries; it is found from Japan to northern India.

   Syn: spiceberry, Ardisia crenata.

Ardisia crenata is a species of flowering plant in the primrose family, Primulaceae, that is native to East Asia. It is known by a variety of names such as Christmas berry, Australian holly, coral ardisia, coral bush, coralberry, coralberry tree, ' hen's-eyes', and spiceberry. A. crenata is a compact shrub that reaches , often with a single stem. Leaves are dark green, thick, glossy, and have tightly waved edges The flowers are small, white or reddish, fragrant, and form clusters. The fruit is a glossy, bright red drupe. The seeds are able to germinate under a dense canopy and are dispersed by birds and humans.

This invasive species was introduced to the United States in the early twentieth century as an ornamental species. It was observed to have escaped cultivation in 1982.

Preparations made from the root of Ardisia crenata are used as an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine.