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Common Name:

General Information

Myrsine semiserrata is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 4.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Himalayas from Pakistan to south-western China.

Habitat

Forests and shrubberies, especially in Nepal, to 2700 metres[]. Broad-leaved forests, limestone hillsides, mountain slopes, roadsides, stream banksand sunny places 500 - 2700 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
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, though judging by its native range it is unlikely to succeed outdoors except in the mildest areas of the country. The plant can not tolerate waterlogged soils for long periods of time, nor severe drought conditions[]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the 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[].
Plants are very slow-growing[].
Plants can be polygamous or dioecious. In general, it is best to grow male and female plants if seed is required[].

Edible Uses

Fruit[, , ].

Medicinal

The fruit is used as an anthelmintic, especially in the treatment of tape worm[, , ]. It is also laxative and is used in the treatment of dropsy and colic[]. The fruit contains 3% embelic acid and 1% quercitol, the seed contains 4.8% embelic acid and 1% quercitol[]. These are the active ingredients that work as an anthelmintic[].
A gum obtained from the plant is used as a warming remedy in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea[].
A decoction of the leaf is used as a blood purifier[].

Other Uses

Wood - chocolate-coloured, compact, hard, heavy and handsome[, ]. Used for construction[]. It is usually too small for anything other than firewood, though it is sometimes used in carpentry[].

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[].