African-boxwood (Myrsine africana, Sp. Pl.: 196 (1753))

Family: Primulaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 196 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Myrsine

Vegetable: False

Observations: Azores, Eritrea to S. Africa, Arabian Pen. to China, Taiwan

Description

African-boxwood, known scientifically as Myrsine africana, is a versatile and hardy shrub with a significant historical background, first described in 1753. Part of the Primulaceae family, this plant is renowned for its dense, evergreen foliage and adaptability, which make it an excellent choice for hedging and ornamental uses.

Native to a broad geographical range, African-boxwood is found from the Azores and stretches across Eritrea to South Africa. It extends its presence through the Arabian Peninsula, reaching as far as China and Taiwan, showcasing its resilience and adaptability to diverse climates and altitudes.

Characterized by its vibrant evergreen leaves, Myrsine africana thrives in various environmental conditions. The plant is well-regarded for its compact and bushy growth habit, which provides year-round interest in gardens and landscaped areas. This species typically produces small, inconspicuous flowers, which are followed by tiny, dark-colored fruits that add a subtle charm to its foliage.

The African-boxwood’s ability to withstand pruning and shaping has made it a popular choice for gardeners and landscape architects who seek low-maintenance, attractive greenery. Additionally, it serves as an excellent habitat for local wildlife, offering shelter and food for various insects and birds.

In summary, Myrsine africana stands out as a versatile and reliable plant species with a widespread presence from Africa to Asia. Its adaptability to different environments and its utility in landscaping make it a valuable addition to any garden where year-round foliage and easy care are desired.

Common Names

Eng: african-boxwood, african boxwood
Swe: myrsine
En: African-boxwood, Cape myrtle, Small myrsine, African Boxwood
Af: Mirting
Am: ቀጨሞ
Ar: كتمة
Zh: 小葉鐵仔, 铁仔
Fi: Pensasmyrsikki
Sv: Myrsine
Zh-tw: 小葉鐵仔
Zh-hant: 鐵仔

Synonyms

• Rhamnus myrtillus (H.Lév.)
• Myrsine africana var. retusa (A.DC.)
• Myrsine africana var. bifaria ((Wall.) Franch.)
• Myrsine bifaria (Wall.)
• Myrica arabica (Willd.)
• Myrsine vacciniifolia (Hayata)
• Myrsine glabra (Gaertn.)
• Myrsine bottensis (A.DC.)
• Myrsine retusa (Aiton)
• Buxus dioica (Forssk.)
• Myrsine africana var. acuminata (C.Y.Wu & C.Chen)
• Samara potama (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don)
• Myrsine africana var. glandulosa (J.M.Zhang)
• Myrica montana (Vahl)
• Myrsine potama (D.Don)
• Myrsine acuta (Salisb.)
• Myrsine scabra (Gaertn.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Angola (native)
• Assam (native)
• Azores (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Free State (native)
• India (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Lesotho (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Somalia (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Uganda (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Mar 27, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Mar 27, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Mar 27, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Mar 27, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Mar 27, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Habit

Taken Jul 20, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Oct 3, 2020 by Morgana_in_love (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2020 by Morgana_in_love (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 21, 2022 by Decobert Didier (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 18, 2018 by botanist (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2020 by Morgana_in_love (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 21, 2022 by Decobert Didier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2021 by Natalie Sayen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2022 by Hughes Legrand (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 30, 2022 by Logan Rovoletto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Mar 27, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Mar 27, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Mar 23, 2022 by Manjarrés Luis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2018 by Sonia Miranda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2021 by Brenda LaVigne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2021 by Brenda LaVigne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2021 by Brenda LaVigne (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7331120)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:589037-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Myrsine africana L.)

Specifications

Growth