medicinal herbs
Marlberry
Ardisia japonica

• Medicinal herbs
• Natural herbs
• Latin names
• Common names

Herb: Marlberry

Latin name: Ardisia japonica

Family: Myrsinaceae (Myrsine Family)

Medicinal use of Marlberry:

This plant is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, especially in cases of bronchitis, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs. Carminative, depurative, expectorant, stimulates blood circulation. The leaves are used in the treatment of cancer and hepatoma. A decoction of the stems is used in the treatment of coughs and uterine bleeding. The root is antidote and diuretic. The plant is depurative.

Description of the plant:

Habitat of the herb:

Woods in hills and low mountains all over Japan. Mixed forests or bamboo woods, hillsides and dark damp places at elevations up to 1200 metres.

Other uses of Marlberry:

Plants can be grown as a trimmed hedge.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - best harvested when it is ripe in the winter and sown immediately in a greenhouse. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady part of the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, once the plants are 20cm or more tall. Cuttings of half-ripe wood in summer. Grow on in cool, shaded humid conditions until well rooted.

Cultivation of Marlberry:

Woods in hills and low mountains all over Japan. Mixed forests or bamboo woods, hillsides and dark damp places at elevations up to 1200 metres.

Known hazards of Ardisia japonica:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.