SHOEBUTTON ARDISIA Ardisia elliptica

Description Rapid growing branched tall shrub or small tree, usually growing up to 4 m tall. Forms dense stands and commonly found in shade-tolerant habitats but also occurs in open areas.

Leaves Alternate, reddish when young and have entire margins.

Flowers Star-shaped, five pinkish petals, 6–13 mm wide, and their outer surfaces are covered in orange-to-blackish, resinous dots and streaks. Occur in clusters in the upper leaf forks of the main branches.

Fruit Numerous round green berries, 5–12 mm wide, turn red when still relatively immature and eventually turn deep purplish-red or black at maturity. Contain one seed.

Dispersal Seed dispersed by birds and other animals eating and excreting the seed and dumped garden waste.

Confused with Weed species Shoebutton ardisia (Ardisia solanacea) and Ardisia humilis.

Control Contact your local Rous County Council Weed Biosecurity Officer for control advice and disposal. Manually remove where appropriate. Cut and paint, cut scrape paint, basal bark, frill, stem inject or foliar spray with approved herbicide.