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Summary

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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit[2, 51, 177].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

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].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Wood

Wood - compact, hard, heavy and handsome[158]. Used for construction[272]. It is usually too small for anything other than firewood, though it is sometimes used in carpentry[146].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it is unlikely to succeed outdoors except in the mildest areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any well-drained fertile circum-neutral soil in full sun or semi-shade[200]. Dislikes shallow chalky soils[188]. Requires a sunny position according to another report[182]. Plants are very slow-growing[188]. Plants can be polygamous or dioecious. In general, it is best to grow male and female plants if seed is required[182].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow late winter or early spring in a warm greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a semi-shaded position in the greenhouse for at least their first winter[78]. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 3 - 6cm long with a heel in individual pots, July/August in a frame. Good percentage[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Myrsine africana	Cape Myrtle	Shrub	0.8	8-11	S	LMH	SN	M	1	3	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Myrsine semiserrata - Wall.