About Ardisia escallonioides Schiede & Deppe ex Schltdl. & Cham.
Ardisia escallonioides, commonly known as Island marlberry, is a plant species native to the West Indies and surrounding regions. It has been documented growing in Barbados, Bermuda, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Florida. This species grows as either a shrub or a tree, reaching a maximum height of 15 meters (50 feet). It produces elliptic leaves that can grow up to 17 centimeters (7 inches) long. Its flowers are arranged in panicles that hold up to 20 flowers per cluster. Individual flowers range in color from white to pink, and measure up to 7 millimeters (0.3 inches) across. The fruits are fleshy drupes, also up to 7 millimeters (0.3 inches) across, that start red and turn black when mature. The fruits of Ardisia escallonioides are reported to be edible, though some people find their taste unpleasant.
