茶藨子屬落葉灌木，臺灣特有種。枝條細長；互生圓形葉，常1~3片簇生於短枝上，粗鋸齒緣，葉腋具1~3枝簇生刺。花腋生下垂，常因發育停止而成單性；白色花瓣 4~5枚，鱗片狀。花期 4~5月。長橢圓狀或球狀漿果，前端具宿存萼，8~9月成熟，熟時由綠轉深紅至暗紫紅色，狀似小燈籠。

A deciduous shrub in the genus Ribes, endemic to Taiwan. Branches slender; alternate rounded leaves often 1-3 clustered at short branch tips, margin serrated, 1 to 3 spines clustered on the axils. Flowers axillary and drooping, often becoming unisexual by termination of development; white petals 4-5, scaly. Flowering from April to May. Fruits are berries long oval or globular, with persistent calyx in the apical end, mature from August to September, initially green to dark red then dark purple red when ripe, resembling a small lantern.

喜陰涼而略有陽光之處，常見生長於林緣或陽光尚可之林下。以種子、扦插繁殖。

The plant grows well in cool and slightly sunny environment, often found on the edge of forest or places where sunlight can reach. Propagated by seeds and cuttings.

紅熟的果實，是野生動物的最佳食物，也是美味的野外求生植物。果可釀酒或製作果汁、果醬。果實及種子可入藥。

The ripe red fruit is the best food source for wild animals and also a delicious wild survival plant. The fruits can be brewed or made into juices and jams. Fruits and seeds can be used as medicine.