Ardisia elliptica Thunb.

Etymology	Genus	A point (Ardis); referring to the pointed anthers
	Species	Elliptic; referring to the shape of the leaves
Family		Myrsinaceae
Synonyms		Ardisia littoralis Andrews, Ardisia squamulosa C. Presl, Ardisia umbellata Roxb.
Common Names		Mata Ayam, Seashore Ardisia, Shoebutton Ardisia
Status		Native: Least Concern
Form		Small tree or shrub
Native Distribution		India to southeast China, Indochina, and Malesia

Diagnostics

Ardisia elliptica is a small bushy tree sometimes pruned as a shrub. It is recognisable from its fleshy thick leaves which are oppositely arranged, reddish petiole, and inconspicuious veins. The ends of the twigs are swollen. It flowers and fruits very often and gregariously, hence making it an attractive ornamental plant.

Interesting Facts

Mata Ayam can also be found naturally in Singapore, near the coast in sandy and muddy subsrate. Because of its ability to survive well under shade and effective seed dispersal by birds, it has turned invasive in countries (Hawaii, Florida, Cook Islands, etc.) where it was introduced (PIER, 1999).

References

PIER (1999) Ardisia elliptica. Pacific Island Ecosystem at Risk (PIER), Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry. http://www.hear.org/pier. Accessed on 9-Mar-2013.