Synonyms: 

Ardisia doma Wall. ex A. DC.

Anguillaria solanacea Poir.

Systematic Position

Kingdom:  Plantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Order: Ericales Bercht. & J. Presl

Family: Primulaceae

Native: India to southeast China.

Common Names

English – Seashore Ardisia

Malayalam – കുഴിമുണ്ടൻ, കടൽചെറി

Description:

Ardisia elliptica is a shrub with glossy, elliptical leaves and clusters of small, red berries, commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Habitat: Shade tolerant evergreen tree.

Distribution: Thailand, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines and Indonesia.

Uses: Ardisia elliptica is used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, and its berries are sometimes eaten, but caution is advised as they can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.