SEASHORE ARDISIA (Ardisia Elliptica)
Also known by various names such as Mata Ayam, Mata Pelandok & Shoebutton Ardisia, this is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 8 m tall. Its alternate stalked leaves have fleshy or leathery leaf blades that are elliptic. Its flowers grow in stalked clusters from the leaf angles along the twigs, have drooping waxy, pink flower buds, and are about 15 mm wide. Its 10 mm wide fruits are round berries that are flattened at the tip, ripen from reddish-purple to black, and contain one seed. It grows along the banks of tidal estuaries and sandy or muddy shores. It can be found in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, India and even till southeast China. The young shoots can be eaten and a decoction of its leaves or roots is used to treat heart pains.