SafePlants

Island Marlberry (Ardisia escallonoides)

The Island Marlberry, scientifically known as Ardisia escallonoides, is a native shrub or small tree found in specific regions. This profile provides detailed information about its taxonomy, distribution, and other relevant characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions "dark berries," which may be attractive to some pets.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions "dark berries," which may be attractive to some children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Ardisia escallonoides Schiede & Deppe ex Schltdl. & Cham.
• Family: Myrsinaceae (Colicwood Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms:
  • Ardisia escallonioides (note the slightly different spelling)
  • Ardisia escallonoides Schltdl. & Cham.
  • Icacorea paniculata (Nutt.) Sudw.
• Common Names: Island marlberry, Marbleberry, Marlberry, Dogberry
• Other Taxonomic Groupings:
  • Subkingdom: Tracheobionta
  • Subclass: Dilleniidae

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the West Indies and neighboring areas.
• Reported from Barbados and Bermuda.
• Found in South Florida, including the Everglades (on tree islands) and interior central Florida, north to about Kissimmee.
• Observed at Green Cay Nature Center in Boynton Beach, FL and on Sanibel Island, FL.
• Grows in wetlands, hammocks, and tree islands.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Described as a tropical American shrub or small tree.
• Perennial, meaning it grows year after year.
• Brown wood.
• Dark berries.
• May grow to 11-15.2 m in height.
• Branchlets may be sparsely to densely rufous-papillate.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Grows alongside other native vegetation such as myrsine and wild coffee.
• Found in proximity to strangler figs, mangoes, and firebush.

Additional Information

• Allergen Potential: Medium-Low
• Structure: Tree

Resources

• ARKive (for Marlberry photos and facts)