Myrsine semiserrata

Physical Characteristics

Myrsine semiserrata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in) at a slow rate.It is in leaf all year, in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from October to December. 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

E. Asia - Himalayas from Pakistan to south-western China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit[2, 51, 177].

Medicinal Uses

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