Cape Myrtle

Myrsine africana

Scientific name

A shrub that can reach 1 to 2 meters in height. It has glossy leaves, pink flowers and blue to purple berries.

The berries attract birds that distribute the seeds widely. Best propagated from seed as cuttings do not take easily.

Also known as African boxwood (Eng.) | Mirting (Afr.) | Moroko-pheleu | Semapo | Sethakhisa | Thakisa (Southern Sotho) |

Propagation instructions

By seed

Propagation is best from seed. Plant the seedlings into pots to grow on until well established, before planting out into the garden. A regular, light pruning of the tips will encourage a bushy growth.

Before planting, beds should be well prepared with compost and should be mulched after planting.

In the winter rainfall areas of the Cape, plants should be planted in the winter to give the young plants the time to establish before the dry summer months.

Myrsine africana is slow growing, but long-lived and certainly worth the patience to give it a place in the garden.