Description
Myrsine bullata (also called Bull's myrsine, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree, up to 8 m tall, with a trunk up to 20 cm in diameter. It is native to the Andes from Colombia to Bolivia, and is found in humid montane forests, at elevations of 1,000-3,000 m.
Uses & Benefits
Myrsine bullata is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a hedge plant and as a windbreak. The leaves of this plant are used in traditional medicine to treat fever, colds and headaches.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Myrsine bullata are small, white, and fragrant. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings are small and have a single stem with small, dark green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Myrsine bullata is a shrub that grows best in full sun and well-drained soils. Propagation is best done through cuttings or layering. Cuttings should be taken from semi-ripe wood and planted in a well-draining medium. Layering is done by bending a branch of the shrub to the ground and covering it with soil. The branch should be left in place until it takes root.
Where to Find Myrsine bullata
Myrsine bullata is native to China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. It can be found in moist forests and thickets at elevations of 500-2,000m.