African Boxwood Myrsine Africana
A rugged african native that is great for hot sunny locations.
African boxwood myrsine africana. It typically has dense dark green to red foliage and produces tiny bright purple berries. The new growth emerges tinged with red then turns to a deep glossy green as it matures. Myrsine africana is a low maintenance plant. It is indigenous to macaronesia africa and south asia.
Myrsine africana medium growing rounded evergreen shrub to 3 8 feet tall and 2 6 feet wide. The name of the genus comes from the greek term myrsine with which the common myrtle myrtus communis l was indicated. Excellent for use as a low hedge. How to grow an african boxwood 1.
It can grow in full sun to partial shade. Myrsine africana can grow to a height of 1 5 metres and a width of 75 centimetres. May be tip pruned or sheared at any time to limit height. African boxwood myrsine africana.
Apply mulch around your boxwood which conserves soil moisture blocks out weed development and cools the boxwood. Ideal for borders hedges or as a. Protect from cold drying winds. Glossy foliage emerges with red highlights then matures to green.
Slow growing evergreen shrub with marked drought resistance for warmer climates. Plants are male and female with the female producing purple berries. Water the boxwood. The latin name of the species africana african refers to one of its places of origin.
Myrsine africana also called cape myrtle african boxwood or thakisa is a species of shrub in the family primulaceae. A regular light pruning of the tips will encourage a busy growth. Choose the right location for your african boxwood shrub. It is found throughout south africa common in the summer and winter rainfall areas growing naturally on rocky krantzes in fynbos and forests.
Myrsine africana has a wide distribution from the himalayas china and the azores to eastern and southern africa. Myrsine africana african boxwood will reach a height of 1 2m and a spread of 0 8m after 10 20 years. Likes sun or partial shade and moderate water. Derivation of name and historical aspects.