Common Name:

General Information

Myrsine umbellata is an evergreen tree with a dense, oval crown; it can grow 5 - 15 metres tall. The crooked, cylindrical bole can be 30 - 50cm in diameter with a thick bark[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood. It has ornamental properties and has been recommended for landscaping[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia.

Habitat

Found in a variety of woodland habitats, both in dense primary forest and the more open, secondary formations; also in open ground; tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and moisture[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Succeeds in dry to fairly wet soils[]. Tolerant of a wide range of soils[].
Young plants have a moderate rate of growth[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark is rich in tannins and is astringent[].

Other Uses

The bark is a rich source of tannins[].

The wood is thick-textured, straight-grained, heavy, with very poor durability even if kept dry. It is only used locally for purposes such as beams, laths, scantlings and furniture[].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - it has a hard seedcoat and may benefit from scarification before sowing to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing. Sow the treated seed in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate of less than 30% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 40 - 60 days[]. When the seedlings are 5 - 6cm tall, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 12 months later[].

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