TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA


Pictogram Guide · Mouse over pictogram for definition

Pollia condensata, Marble Berry. Pollia condensata fruits
Pollia condensata fruits

Pollia condensata

Marble Berry
Family: Commelinaceae
Origin: West Africa
Small plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeShadeRegular waterWhite, off-white flowers

Pollia condensata (Marble Berry) is a plant that is native to West Africa. It reaches a height of only 2-5 feet and thrives best in warm weather. It is hardy to USDA Zone: 9-11.

This plant prefers semi-shade and regular water and should be planted in a pot in colder regions. If planted in soil, it should be well-draining.

It produces white or off-white flowers attracting a variety of pollinating insects. The fruit is shiny, metallic blue, hard, and dry, with an intense, iridescent color that comes from the light reflected off thick layers of cells in the fruit's skin. The fruit appears blue but does not contain any pigments that tend to fade over time. The bright blue coloration makes the fruit attractive to some birds despite having no nutritional value. The birds sometimes decorate their nests with the berries, which helps to disperse the seeds over the long term.



Pollia condensata, Marble Berry. Pollia condensata fruits
Pollia condensata fruits
Pollia condensata, Marble Berry. Pollia condensata fruits
Pollia condensata fruits


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/pollia_condensata.htm