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Common Name:

General Information

Myrsine australis is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 6.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

New Zealand - North, South and Stewart Islands.

Habitat

Lowland to montane forest, especially marginal, and shrubland from sea level to 900 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	6.00 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. Judging by its native range, however, it is likely to succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas, especially if seed can be obtained from plants growing at higher elevations[]. The following notes are based on the general needs of this genus.
Succeeds in any well-drained fertile circum-neutral soil in full sun or semi-shade[]. Dislikes shallow chalky soils[]. Requires a sunny position according to another report[].
Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The Maori boiled the leaves of this plant to make an infusion (tea) for toothache[]. They also used the leaves asa relief for arthritic problems, as a remedy for skin disease, intestinal worms and as a general tonic[].

Other Uses

This species is a good shelter plant in its native New Zealand[]. It is also a good primary colonising plant on bare sites - it is able to get itself established and provide shelter for more sensitive plants put in later on[].
The branch wood was used for digging sticks and adze handle sockets[].
In European times the hard timber has been used for building, although its most popular use has probably been for firewood[].

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter or early spring in a warm greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a semi-shaded position in the greenhouse for at least their first winter[]. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 3 - 6cm long with a heel in individual pots, mid summer in a frame. Good percentage[].