Cape Myrtle

Myrsine africana

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

N. Africa to E. Asia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Condiment Fruit[105, 177]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter and contains a single seed[200]. Two other reports say that the fruit is used as an anthelmintic[146, 158]. The seed is used as an adulterant of pepper[177].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Blood purifier Emmenagogue Laxative The fruit is used as an anthelmintic, especially in the treatment of tape worm[146, 158, 240]. It is also laxative and is used in the treatment of dropsy and colic[240]. The fruit contains 3% embelic acid and 1% quercitol, the seed contains 4.8% embelic acid and 1% quercitol[240]. These are the active ingredients that work as an anthelmintic[240]. A gum obtained from the plant is used as a warming remedy in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea[240]. A decoction of the leaf is used as a blood purifier[240].

Known Hazards

None known