The fruit ripens in late autumn or early winter. The berry is a bright, lustrous red when ripe and elliptic to oval in shape. Birds are very fond of the fruit.
Christmas berry is related to goji berries. Another common name for goji berries is wolfberry (Lycium chinensis).
Christmas berry is very salt tolerant and is found growing in salt water all along the nature coast. In rocky areas along the shore it can be found growing in between rock crevices at the water’s edge.
Christmas berry grows in full sun, with average moisture, and an average pH. Some native plant nurseries in our area carry Christmas berry. Propagation is best done by transplants.
Hernando County has a beautiful example of it in the wild at Jenkin’s Creek Park. Head across the footbridge and you will find it growing throughout the walking paths.