Callicarpa acuminata, commonly known as Mexican Beautyberry, is a deciduous shrub native to the understory of tropical forests in Central and South America. It typically grows to a height of 2-5 feet (0.6-1.5 meters) and a width of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters). The plant features a compact form with opposite, simple leaves that have a somewhat rough texture. During the spring and summer, it produces small clusters of pink, purple, and white tubular flowers that are attractive to pollinators. Following the flowering period, the shrub bears its signature clusters of glossy, berry-like fruits that can be dark-purple, dark blue-purple, or sometimes white, which are highly ornamental and persist into the winter.

Mexican Beautyberry is valued for its vibrant fruit display, which can add a splash of color to the garden when other plants have ceased blooming. It is used in cultivation for border planting, as an understory shrub in woodland gardens, and for wildlife gardens to attract birds. This shrub is adaptable to a range of light conditions, from full sun to part shade, and prefers soils with medium drainage. While it tolerates low water conditions once established, it benefits from regular watering during prolonged dry periods. It is generally low-maintenance but can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases in humid climates.CC BY-SA 4.0