Cape Myrtle
Myrsine africana
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Pl. FB0B — Myrsine africana
Myrsine africanaMyrsine africanaMyrsine africanaMyrsine africanaMyrsine africanaMyrsine africanaMyrsine africanaMyrsine africanaMyrsine africanaMyrsine africanaMyrsine africanaMyrsine africanaMyrsine africanaMyrsine africana
IOverview
Overview
Cape Myrtle (Myrsine africana) is a small shrub native to regions across Africa and Asia, including Afghanistan, Angola, China, Ethiopia, India, and various African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania. Known for its edible fruit, this plant thrives in moist conditions and prefers light or partial sun exposure. It can grow well in a variety of soil types, from sandy to clay, making it adaptable to different environments. Cape Myrtle is hardy in zones 8-11, reaching heights of about 0.8 meters. Its ability to flourish in diverse climates makes it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Cape Myrtle?
Cape Myrtle (Myrsine africana) is a small shrub native to regions across Africa and Asia, including Afghanistan, Angola, China, Ethiopia, India, and various African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania. Known for its edible fruit, this plant thrives in moist conditions and prefers light or partial sun exposure.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cape Myrtle thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8-11, making it suitable for temperate regions. The plant reaches a height of about 0.8 meters and can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Fruit from the plant is edible.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Mature size
0.8 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Cape Myrtle for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Cape Myrtle to experience growing a hardy, versatile shrub.
- 1
What you'll need
Cape Myrtle seeds or young plants, potting soil, containers if planting in pots.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Cape Myrtle during spring or early summer for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the soil surface, lightly cover with soil. For transplants, use young plants from a nursery.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in partial shade to avoid sunburn.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun once established. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soils, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Condiment
Other uses:HedgerowLumberFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe1 region
native (1)Portugal
Asia7 regions
native (7)ChinaIndiaNepalPakistanSaudi ArabiaTaiwanYemen
Africa13 regions
native (13)AngolaEritreaEswatiniEthiopiaKenyaLesothoMalawiMozambiqueRwandaSomaliaSudanTanzaniaUganda
Broader regions
native:Cape Provinces, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Provinces, West Himalaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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