Water
Water regularly, allowing the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. In hotter weather, increase frequency. Reduce watering in winter, but do not let the soil become completely dry.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Also known as African Boxwood · African-Boxwood · Cape Beech Myrtle
Myrsine africana is an attractive evergreen shrub with glossy leaves, producing small, dark berries. It's a versatile and hardy plant for various garden settings.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
Regular
50% intensity
Allow top 2-3 cm of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Average to Warm
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 15-25°C. Can tolerate cooler temperatures in winter.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, allowing the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. In hotter weather, increase frequency. Reduce watering in winter, but do not let the soil become completely dry.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly in spring to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. For hedges, regular trimming is needed. Heavy pruning can be done if rejuvenation is required.
Easily propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. Insert cuttings into a moist, well-draining seed-starting mix. Roots will typically form within 4-6 weeks.
Can also be grown from seed sown in spring.
Repot young plants annually in spring. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid waterlogging.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Myrsine Africana (Myrsine africana)
Where Myrsine Africana (Myrsine africana) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Genus | Myrsine |
| Species | Myrsine africana |
Similar in genus Myrsine
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data