African-boxwood, scientifically known as Myrsine africana, is a shrub native to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. This versatile landscaping plant reaches 6 feet high and wide. Pinkish flower clusters appear, followed by round black berries. It grows successfully in partial shade and well-drained soil. This shrub has glossy, dark green leaves in an elliptical or lance shape. It belongs to the Primulaceae family. The ornamental flowers have a sweet fragrance that attracts birds to the berries. Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires little care. Myrsine africana adds aesthetic and wildlife appeal to gardens. Its moderate size makes it suitable for hedges or as a specimen planting. The foliage, flowers, and berries provide varied interest throughout the seasons.
African-boxwood
- Scientific name
- Myrsine africana
Basic Information
- Primulaceae Family Myrsine Genus African-boxwood Species
- Primulaceae > Myrsine > Myrsine africana
- 83%
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- Shrub
- Height
- 100cm ~ 200cm
- Flower Color
- Leaf Color
- Anthesis
- spring
- Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun Long hours of sunlight from morning to afternoon Partial Shade A location in the shade of a tree or where either the morning or afternoon is shaded Full Shade A place where there is no direct sunlight
- Partial Shade
- Hardiness Zones
This is an indicator to know to which zone each plant can winter. Knowing the zone of each plant gives you an idea of the cold temperature resistance when grown in the ground without a roof. 2: -42.7 to -40.0 3: -39.9 to -34.4 4: -34.3 to -28.9 5: -28.8 to -23.3 6: -23.2 to -17.8 7: -17.7 to -12.2 8: -12.1 to -6.7 9: -6.6 to -1.1 10: -1.0 to 4.4 11: 4.5 to 10.0
- 7
- Cold resistance
- Good
- Heat resistance
- Fair
- Habitat of origin
- South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania
- Growth Rate
- Normal
What is African-boxwood (Myrsine africana)?
What is African-boxwood (Myrsine africana)
Flower meaning
The flower language commonly used in America for the African-boxwood plant is: - Strength - Resilience - Endurance One typical example is
Calendar of African-boxwood (Myrsine africana)
Calendar
African-boxwood typically blooms in late spring to early summer in United States. It is essential to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and hinder blooming. Pruning dead flowers can also promote continuous blooming throughout season. African-boxwood's flowering period can vary slightly depending on specific climate and growing conditions in different regions of United States. Flowers are at their best during month of May. Blooming occurs once a year, lasting for about weeks. To encourage longer blooming, ensure plant receives adequate sunlight and water.
How to grow African-boxwood (Myrsine africana)
Watering
For the African-boxwood plant, watering rate is moderate, typically once per 7-10 days during growing period. Check dirt dryness between waters to avoid root decay. In dormancy period in winter, lower water rate to once per 2-3 weeks to copy natural conditions. Confirm soil wetness by putting finger 1-2 in deep; if it feels arid, it's time to hydrate. Hydrate thoroughly, permitting excess water to drain to prevent waterlogging. Regulate watering on environmental circumstances like temperature and moisture to hold optimal soil wetness levels.
Soil and Fertilizer
African-boxwood flourishes in draining dirt with an acidity level in the middle of 6.0 and 7.0. It prefers a loamy earth abundant in natural material for ideal progress. Nourish African-boxwood within the spring with a moderate discharge compost. Apply a granular nourishment around the plant's base, following the maker's guidelines for the right sum. During development, apply a water-dissolvable compost like clockwork to advance solid development. Keep away from over-encouraging, as it can prompt supplement lopsided characteristics and harm the plant. Screen the earth quality consistently to guarantee it stays all around depleted and rich. Think about leading an earth test to decide any insufficiencies and change the compost application as needs be.
Sunlight and Place
African-boxwood needs full sun to part shade. It needs at least six hours of sun each day to grow well. It can handle cold to around 20°F (-6°C). It likes warm temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) but can take higher temperatures if watered enough. In summer, afternoon shade helps stop leaf scorch. In winter, protect it from frost and very cold weather by moving inside or covering. Good air flow and well-draining soil are key for health. The sun tolerance makes African-boxwood good for bright, sunny areas. It can also work in part shade if needed.
Advanced Information of African-boxwood (Myrsine africana)
Pruning
African-boxwood profits from time to time pruning to uphold its appearance, aid new expansion, and develop whole plant wellbeing. Pruning is ideally completed in last part of winter season or in initial phase of springtime prior to new development shows up. To prune, apply pointy, spotless shears to get rid of expired or impaired divisions, and also any kind of overgrown or crossing stems. Complete cuts at a 45-degree point of view precisely over a leaf hub or sprout to propel appropriate recuperating. Subsequent to pruning, drench the plant altogether and use an offset manure to help recuperation and new development. Keep away from substantial pruning during the developing season to forestall pressure on the plant. Standard upkeep pruning will assist African-boxwood with prospering and stay alluring expansion to your yard.
Planting and Harvest
African-boxwood thrives best when potted due to its compact size and adaptability to container growth. To containerize African-boxwood, use a container with drainage openings to stop water buildup and a dirt blend that flows well. Put the shrub where it gets vibrant, indirect sunshine and hydrate when the top layer of soil is parched. Repot African-boxwood every few years in a somewhat bigger container to allow for its expansion. When replanting, carefully loosen the roots and incorporate fresh soil to help ongoing development. Check for bugs like spider mites and scale insects, treating right away to keep the plant healthy.
Propagation
African-boxwood is able to multiply itself by cutting off parts of the plant or splitting up sections of the roots. One technique is to cut off sections of stem about four to six inches long. Remove the lower leaves from the stem pieces. Dip the stem ends in a rooting hormone powder. Then plant the stems in a pot filled with soil that drains water well. Another technique is to carefully separate out clumps of roots. Make sure each clump has some shoots growing from it. Leaves can also be used for propagation. Healthy leaves are placed in a moist growing medium until they begin to grow roots. Using a combination of propagation methods raises your chances of success. For best results, harvest cuttings early in the day when the plant is fully hydrated.
Pests and Diseases
The pests and diseases that harm African-boxwood are monitor and deterred to prevent leaf damage and promote healthy growth. By providing proper care for African-boxwood and inspecting it regularly to identify and treat any problems early, it can thrive without significant pest or disease issues. This tropical plant is susceptible but with diligent gardening practices its beauty and longevity can be maintained. Attentive gardeners know that preventing problems is most effective, and African-boxwood rewards this care with lush green leaves in an attractive rounded shape.
Habitat of African-boxwood (Myrsine africana)
Habitat
Toxicity of African-boxwood (Myrsine africana)
Health Benefits
- edible
- Inedible
- Toxic
- No toxicity
NO DATA
Toxic for dogs and cats
NO DATA
Q&A of African-boxwood (Myrsine africana)
- choice
African-boxwood has two main varieties: 'Compacta' and 'Microphylla'. The 'Compacta' variety is dense and compact. The 'Microphylla' variety has smaller leaves. Buy healthy seeds and seedlings from good nurseries. Choose the variety that meets your needs.