Ardisia brevipedata
F. Muell.
Rambling spearflower
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(c) Evert Materman, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaArdisia brevipedata, commonly known as rambling spearflower, is a species of plant in the primrose family Primulaceae. It is native to the Wet Tropics bioregion of Queensland, Australia.
Description
A shrub up to 3 m high. It spreads 1-1.5 m wide. The leaves are simple and 5-15 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. They are pale green. The flowers are small and white. They occur in a ball. These are crowded in a cluster on a slender stem. The fruit are 10-15 mm long. Fruit are bright red. They usually hang singly in the axils of leaves. There is one seed inside. The flesh is edible.
Edible Uses
The flesh of the fruit can be eaten in small amounts.
Traditional Uses
The flesh can be eaten in small amounts.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
A tropical plant. It grows in rainforest. It needs moist conditions and a well-drained soil. In tropical Queensland it grows between sea level and 1400 m altitude.
Where It Grows
Australia*,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown from fresh seed or cuttings.
Notes
There are about 250-300 Ardisia species. They are mainly in the tropics. Also put in the family Myrsinaceae.
Synonyms
References (6)
- Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 97
- Cooper W & Cooper W T, 1994, Fruits of the Rain Forest. RD Press p 42
- Cooper, W. and Cooper, W., 2004, Fruits of the Australian Tropical Rainforest. Nokomis Editions, Victoria, Australia. p 334
- Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1982, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 2. Lothian. p 225
- Jackes, B.R., 2001, Plants of the Tropics. Rainforest to Heath. An Identification Guide. James Cook University. p 67
Show all 6 references Hide references
- Townsend, K., 1994, Across the Top. Gardening with Australian Plants in the tropics. Society for Growing Australian Plants, Townsville Branch Inc. p 87
