MYRSINE AFRICANA

Botanical Name: Myrsine africana
Common Names: African Boxwood, Cape Myrtle
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, loamy, and slightly rocky substrates
Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Small, glossy, dark green leaves with a dense, compact growth habit
Flowers: Tiny, inconspicuous cream or pinkish flowers followed by ornamental dark berries on female plants
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Uses:

Ornamental Plant:
Myrsine africana is valued for its fine-textured foliage and compact form, making it ideal for formal hedges, topiary, and structured garden designs.

Mediterranean and Low-Water Gardens:
Perfect for low-maintenance, water-wise landscapes, especially in warm and dry climates.

Container or Border Planting:
Its slow, dense growth makes it suitable for decorative pots, borders, and foundation plantings.

Benefits:

Drought Tolerant: Performs well with minimal irrigation once established, suitable for xeriscaping.

Low Maintenance: Hardy, pest-resistant, and easy to shape with occasional pruning.

Evergreen Structure: Provides year-round greenery and texture in both formal and naturalistic gardens.

Versatile Design: Works equally well as a clipped hedge, topiary, or natural shrub in mixed plantings.

Wildlife Friendly: Female plants produce berries that attract birds.

Myrsine africana is a durable, evergreen shrub that offers structure, elegance, and adaptability to a wide range of landscapes. Its compact form, glossy foliage, and minimal care requirements make it an excellent choice for both modern and traditional garden designs.