Myrsine
Rapania punctata
Myrsine is a suckering native shrub that makes a dense screen. It is found naturally from the upper keys to Volusia county, both along the coast and inland.
Inland, it is found along the edge of wetlands and prefers moist to occasionally wet organic soil. Along the coast it is exposed to salt air and rich, dry soil. Myrsine is best grown in average soil with some organic matter and full sun to light shade.
Dioecious flowers are small and white, followed by BB size, black, one seeded hard berries on the female plants in late summer. These remain for most of the winter and feed migrating and local birds.
Although this is used as a hedge, it looks awful when boxed, as most shrubs do. Best if used as a natural screen that is cut back to an alternate leader once a year to keep it low. It can also be allowed to grow to 12 feet or more. A group or a freestanding specimen 30 feet tall is impressive.
This shrub seems most at home as part of a pineland planting. Plant Slash Pine trees, Saw Palmetto, Dahoon Holly, Beautyberry and Wild Coffee with groups of Myrsine. You can place your bench within the privacy of one these groups and disappear from neighbors or passers by. Try under planting with swamp fern for a real woodsy feel.
Myrsine can be added to your favorite mix of coastal plants like Spanish Stopper, Simpson Stopper, Fiddlewood, Marlberry, Firebush, Wild Coffee, Saw Palmetto, Coralbean, Beach Cocoplum, Blackbead, Jamaica Caper and Florida Privet.