Shown above is shoebutton ardisia (Ardisia elliptica), which despite ongoing efforts by volunteers and invasive plant control professionals, remains problematic at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area (ORCA) and elsewhere. This Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Category #1 invasive pest plant is spread by birds and is closely related to marlberry (Ardisia escalloniodes), a small native tree that grows in the understory at ORCA.
New growth on shoebutton ardisia often is bright red, and loads of seedlings frequently can be found growing together …
Marlberry foliage is always green …
Shoebutton ardisia is native to China, India, and southeast Asia and was imported as an ornamental for its red new foliage and colorful berries that are held in axial clusters (where leaves meet up) …
The fruits of marlberry are held in terminal (at the end of branches) panicles and ripen from a golden color to blue-black …
Often, the fruits of marlberry (a.k.a marble berry) are so heavy that they cause the tips of the branches to hang downward.
The species — Ardisia — of these two plants is the same. This name is derived from the Latin word ardis (a point) and refers to the pointed anthers of this plant. The species name of the invasive shoebutton ardisia, elliptica, refers to the elliptic shape of its leaves. The species name of the native understory tree marlberry, escallonoides, is named for Antonio Escallon, 19th century Columbian botanist.
Species matters! When in doubt, do not pluck it out. But, please, if you are sure of your ID, pull up all of the shoebutton ardisia that you can.
Enjoy the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area 