Myrsine

Myrsine is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Primulaceae. It was formerly placed in the family Myrsinaceae, but phylogenetic studies have led to its inclusion within Primulaceae. The genus encompasses a diverse array of evergreen shrubs and small trees, distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Africa, Asia, Australasia, the Americas, and various oceanic islands.

Myrsine species are characterized by their simple, alternate leaves, often with entire or crenulate margins. The flowers are typically small, inconspicuous, and greenish or whitish in color. They are usually arranged in clusters (fascicles) or racemes in the leaf axils. The fruits are small, berry-like drupes, often globose in shape and varying in color from red to purple or black when ripe.

The ecological roles of Myrsine species are varied. They provide food and shelter for various animal species, including birds and insects. Some species are important components of forest understories or coastal vegetation.

Several Myrsine species are used in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, although scientific evidence supporting these uses is often limited. The genus is also cultivated as ornamentals in gardens and landscapes, valued for their attractive foliage and tolerance of various growing conditions. Examples of commonly cultivated species include Myrsine africana, which is used for hedging and topiary.