Myrsine

Myrsine is a genus of plants in the Primulaceae family. It was previously placed in the Myrsinaceae family before merging with the Primulaceae.

It occurs almost everywhere in the world, mainly in the tropics and subtropics. It contains around 200 species^[1]. Some species, especially Myrsine africana, are cultivated as ornamental shrubs.

The evergreen, leathery leaves are alternate and simple, with smooth or serrated edges and no stipules. The seedless fruit of a seed is a spherical stone fruit with a fine pulp.

Fruits and flowers often only develop after the leaves have fallen and therefore appear bare on the branches. Myrsine africana has small white to pink flowers in spring followed by purple/bright red berries.

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