From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ardisia japonica is a species of
Ardisia native to
eastern Asia, in eastern China, Japan and Korea.[1]
Growth
It is a low-growing, spreading very quickly evergreen shrub 20–40 cm tall. The leaves are opposite or in whorls, ovate,
4-7 cm long and 1.5-4 cm broad, with a sharply serrated
margin and an acute apex. The flowers are 4–10 mm
diameter, with five (rarely six) white to pale pink petals; they are produced in racemes in late spring. The fruit is a drupe 5-6 mm diameter, red maturing dark
purple-black in early winter.[1][2]
Uses
A number of cultivars
have been selected for growing as ornamental plants, including
'Hakuokan' and 'Ito Fukurin' with variegated leaves, 'Hinotsukasa', with pale
cream-coloured leaves, and 'Matsu Shima' with pink stems and
variegated leaves.[2]
Medicinal
uses
It is used as a medicinal plant in traditional Chinese
medicine, where it is called zǐjīn niú (traditional Chinese:
紫金牛),[1] and
is considered one of the 50 Fundamental
Herbs.[3]
Large doses of the plant as medicine can be toxic to the
kidneys.[4]
See also
References
External
links
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