Common Name:

General Information

Myrsine melanophloeos is an evergreen shrub or tree growing from 3 - 18 metres tall and producing suckers to form clumps[295,308].
The plant is gathered from the wild for local medicinal use. The timber is also used locally.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Widespread through tropical Africa, south to S. Africa.

Habitat

In relict moist evergreen montane forest and kloof forest[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, flies
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants grow well in coastal areas where winds are strong[]. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant[].
A very variable species[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaves are astringent[].

The bark contains tannin[]. The grey bark, or sometimes the roots. Are used medicinally to treat respiratory problems, stomach, muscular and heart complaints[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Can be used as a hardy screening plant - it has a dense, evergreen habit and sends out suckers to form clumps[].

Other Uses

The brownish red wood is hard, tough, but easily worked[, ]. Of attractive appearance, it is used for wagon building, furniture-making and violins[, ].

Propagation

Seed - easily grown from seed[]. Sow in a well-drained, general-mix, potting soil, placed in a warm, moist, shaded area[].

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