Cape Myrtle (Myrsine africana)

Family: Myrsinaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Myrsine africana is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter and contains a single seed. Two other reports say that the fruit is used as an anthelmintic. The seed is used as an adulterant of pepper. — The fruit is about 6mm in diameter and contains a single seed.; Two other reports say that the fruit is used as an anthelmintic.; The seed is used as an adulterant of pepper.

Habitat & North American Range

Arid stony places and woodlands in W. China. Prefers shady places in the drier oak and rhododendron forests of the Himalayas to 2700 metres. (Zone 8)