Cape Myrtle
Myrsine africana

Family: Myrsinaceae

What it is like

Myrsine africana is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.8

Where it is found

Arid stony places and woodlands in W. China. Prefers shady places in the drier oak and rhododendron forests of the Himalayas to 2700 metres.

N. Africa to E. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter and contains a single seed. Two other reports say that the fruit is used as an anthelmintic. The seed is used as an adulterant of pepper.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 3

The fruit is used as an anthelmintic, especially in the treatment of tape worm. It is also laxative and is used in the treatment of dropsy and colic. The fruit contains 3% embelic acid and 1% quercitol, the seed contains 4.8% embelic acid and 1% quercitol. These are the active ingredients that work as an anthelmintic. A gum obtained from the plant is used as a warming remedy in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea. A decoction of the leaf is used as a blood purifier.

Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.

Blood purifier: Purifies the blood.

Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Other

Rating:

Plants are used for hedging in warm temperate zones. The plant is used in technology. This report gives no more details, we assume that it refers to the wood being used.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Hedge: Hedge

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Succeeds in any well-drained fertile circum-neutral soil in full sun or semi-shade. Dislikes shallow chalky soils. Requires a sunny position according to another report. This species only succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of the country. Plants can tolerate several degrees of short-lived frost if they are growing in a well drained soil in a position sheltered from drying winds. Plants are very slow-growing. The leaves are aromatic. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagating it: Seed - sow late winter or early spring in a warm greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a semi-shaded position in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 3 - 6cm long with a heel in individual pots, July/August in a frame. Good percentage.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

M. retusa.