Myrsine Africana

( MUR - seen    AH - frick - ahna )

At-A-Glance Information

This species of evergreen shrub, commonly called African Boxwood, Cape Myrtle, or Thakisa, needs full sun to partial shade and moderate water. Take care when planting these shrubs in your garden, as all parts are poisonous if ingested. African Boxwood is native to the Azores, Africa, the Himalayas and China, and reaches 3-8 feet tall and 2.5-6 feet wide. It forms a stiff, round bush with erect dark red stems. Leaves are dark green and glossy. The foliage is aromatic and flowers are insignificant. Great choice for a low hedge, narrow beds, and for growing in containers. Foliage is great greenery for fresh arrangements. These plants can withstand air pollution. African Boxwood grows best in zones 8, 9 and 14-24 (to find your zone, click here: Zone Map). The genus Myrsine contains about 200 distinct species and is a member of the plant family Primulaceae.

Caring for and pruning myrsine africana shrubs

Plant African Boxwood in spring or early fall in full sun to partial shade. These shrubs prefer well-draining soil that has a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5 (acidic). Otherwise, these plants are not picky about soil and can grow in even poor soils. While these shrubs are establishing themselves, provide weekly deep waterings. Lessen waterings in wintertime, and increase them in summer. When these plants are mature, they are considered drought-resistant, able to go for relatively long periods without water, but they will perform better and have fuller foliage if they are given regular waterings. Fertilizing is not required, even in poor soils, but if the plant seems to be struggling, it may be a good practice to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer yearly in springtime before new growth pushes out for the year. Pruning is generally minimal for these plants; they may benefit from some light pruning in the beginning of springtime to encourage more bushy growth to emerge. At this time, remove dead, damaged or diseased branches and foliage. These plants can also be sheared into formal hedges. 

Propagation

Although it is possible to propagate these shrubs both by cuttings and seed, cuttings are usually difficult to get to root well, and the resulting plants are not always balanced. The better method is to propagate via seed if there are male and female plants present in the same area. To propagate your shrub, see the instructions below:

Propagating Myrsine africana by Seed
  1. Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
  2. Harvest your seeds. The seeds on these plants are pretty easy to find, they're contained inside the fruit that these shrubs produce. Keep in mind that seeds will only be viable if there is a male and a female plant in close proximity. Once they have ripened, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, and remove the seeds from the fruit, ensuring that all flesh is off the seeds before they are ready to be sown.
  3. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
  4. Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
The berries on these shrubs 

Problems and Pests

These shrubs are resistant to pests and disease.
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Gallery

The flowers on these shrubs are small, but bright.
The foliage on these shrubs is very neat-looking, and is a great addition to cut flower arrangements.
Grow Myrsine africana as a formal hedge.

Videos

Learn about these shrubs in this video!
These shrubs make great Bonsai subjects.

Resources

Myrsine africana: Characteristics, Care and Cultivation
African Boxwood (Myrsine africana)
Wikipedia: Myrsine africana
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 449 - 450, Myrsine africana
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