Myrsine africana

Myrsine africana is an evergreen bush commonly known as African boxwood due to its origins and resemblance to boxwood. Not very tall, but very dense, it bears small, very shiny dark green leaves. It adapts to any well-drained soil, in shade as well as in sunlight, and can be shaped through regular pruning. Left to grow freely, it reveals its full personality. More flexible than boxwood, this plant has a cheerful and elegant appearance and does not attract parasites. However, it is best cultivated in open ground in warm regions where frosts are not too severe. It is ideal for greening difficult areas.

Myrsine africana belongs to the Primulaceae family. It originates from South Africa, Macaronesia, and also southern Asia. It is a ubiquitous species, capable of growing on damp rocks, in forests, or in dry meadows. It is a slow-growing bush, but faster than boxwood. Its habit is naturally dense and compact, initially a bit stiff but becomes more flexible over time. It will reach about 1.5m (5ft) in height, depending on growing conditions, with a diameter of about 1m (3ft). The plant can produce a few suckers at the base. The young stems are reddish and flexible. The leaves are evergreen, leathery, rounded, and very shiny. They are light green turning dark green. In winter, they sometimes take on coppery tones. They do not exceed 1.5cm (1in) in length and 1cm (1in) in width. The bush is dioecious, meaning there are male and female plants. In May-June, inconspicuous greenish to creamy-white flowers appear at the base of the leaves, followed by small violet berries on female plants, in the presence of male plants. Male flowers have reddish anthers.

Myrsine africana is an elegant bush, whether planted in open ground, placed in isolation, at the edge of a shrub grove, in a small hedge, or in a bed, as well as in a large pot. This plant also has a great effect in a large rockery. It would undoubtedly be used more if it were a little hardier given its numerous qualities. If its vegetation is damaged by a severe winter, it can regrow from the stump. It can be planted with, for example, dwarf or flowering pomegranates, Myrtus tarentina, Lonicera nitida, Rhamnus alaternus (variegated or not), small-sized photinias, Mexican orange blossoms, etc. It is worth noting that this bush tolerates sea spray, and adapts perfectly to coastal areas.