Myrsine

Myrsine is a genus of flowering plants in the family Primulaceae. It comprises around 300 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Members of the genus are commonly found in forests and woodland habitats, including Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.

Leaves are simple, alternate, and evergreen, often leathery with margins that are entire. Flowers are small and inconspicuous, usually white or greenish, and borne in axillary or terminal inflorescences. The fruit is a drupe, typically berry-like, and matures to colors ranging from red to blue or black, depending on the species. The drupes are generally dispersed by birds.

Taxonomy and distribution: Myrsine was traditionally placed in its own family, Myrsinaceae, but modern classifications treat it as part of Primulaceae, subfamily Myrsinoideae, following the APG system. The genus is distributed from tropical Africa and Asia to Australia, the Pacific Islands, and the Americas, with many species adapted to forest understories as well as coastal or drier habitats. Notable species include Myrsine africana (African boxwood) and Myrsine australis (mapou) in New Zealand.

Ecology and uses: Berries produced by Myrsine species provide food for birds and other wildlife, contributing to forest dynamics. Horticulturally, several species are valued as ornamental evergreen shrubs or hedges due to their dense foliage. Some traditional medicines in various cultures use parts of Myrsine, though such uses vary by species and region.

Conservation: While many species are widespread in suitable habitats, habitat loss and competition from invasive species threaten certain Myrsine species, warranting monitoring in various regions.