Ardisia crenata is a species of flowering plant in the colicwood family, Myrsinaceae, that is native to East Asia. It is known by a variety of names such as coral bush, coralberry, coralberry tree, hen's-eyes, and spiceberry. A. crenata is a compact shrub that reaches 1 metre, 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.
Preparations made from the root of Ardisia crenata are used as an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine.
It is evergreen unless killed back by very hard freezes. Coral ardisia's (Ardisia crenata) native range stretches from Japan to northern India. It has escaped cultivation and become established in much of northern and central Florida. In some areas it has become a serious pest, displacing native species. Coral ardisia likes deep soil rich with lots of organic matter but it can also thrive in almost any non-soggy soil. Mulch around plants or allow leaves and needles from overhead trees to fall down naturally around them. Ardisia may be topped off to maintain height.
Coral ardisia tolerates some direct sun but not much without showing signs of distress. It grows best under a canopy of trees in fairly deep shade.
For winter color in a forest grove, plant coral ardisia under trees and allow to colonize freely, thinning as necessary. A more formal use can be made of these lovely plants in shade gardens. For best effect, plant a group of at least three. In frost-free areas, ardisia can become quite large and a single specimen might occupy the same space allowed for two or three elsewhere. Where freezes are severe, ardisia should be placed in a protected area or covered. A hard freeze will kill the plant to the ground. Ardisia is easily transformed into a houseplant and is attractive for the shiny foliage even if berries do not form. Red berries, glossy foliage and low maintenance distinguish this beautiful little shrub.