Myrsine Coxii

Description

Myrsine Coxii, also known as the Cox’s Myrsine, is a small evergreen shrub that belongs to the family Primulaceae. This plant is native to Hawaii and can be found in the dry and mesic forests of the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii. Myrsine Coxii can grow up to 4 meters tall, but is typically smaller in cultivation. The leaves of this plant are glossy, dark green, and have a leathery texture. It produces small white flowers in the spring and summer, followed by small black berries in the fall.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Myrsine Coxii is a small evergreen shrub that can grow up to 4 meters tall, but is typically smaller in cultivation. The leaves of this plant are glossy, dark green, and have a leathery texture. They are lance-shaped and can grow up to 10 centimeters long. Myrsine Coxii produces small white flowers in the spring and summer, followed by small black berries in the fall. The berries are about 5 millimeters in diameter and are a food source for birds.

Care Guide

Myrsine Coxii is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your plant healthy:- Water: Myrsine Coxii prefers consistently moist soil, but does not tolerate waterlogged soil. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid getting water on the leaves as this can lead to fungal diseases.- Fertilization: Fertilize your Myrsine Coxii with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Myrsine Coxii prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.- Sunlight: Myrsine Coxii prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can lead to leaf burn.- Hardiness Zones: Myrsine Coxii is hardy to USDA zones 10 to 11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Myrsine Coxii is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can still be affected by a few common issues. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases to watch out for:- Scale insects: These insects can suck sap from the leaves and stems of Myrsine Coxii, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves of Myrsine Coxii. It is often caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. Treat with a fungicide.- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and can cause the roots of Myrsine Coxii to rot. Avoid overwatering and ensure that your plant is in well-draining soil.

Habitat

Myrsine Coxii is native to Hawaii and can be found in the dry and mesic forests of the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii. It grows in a variety of habitats, including rocky slopes, ridges, and gulches. Myrsine Coxii is often found growing under the canopy of larger trees and shrubs.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Myrsine Coxii toxic to pets?

A: Myrsine Coxii is not known to be toxic to pets, but it is always a good idea to keep plants away from pets to avoid any potential issues.

Q: Can Myrsine Coxii tolerate drought?

A: Myrsine Coxii prefers consistently moist soil and does not tolerate drought well. It is best to keep the soil evenly moist.

Q: How often should I fertilize Myrsine Coxii?

A: Fertilize your Myrsine Coxii with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

Q: How tall does Myrsine Coxii grow?

A: Myrsine Coxii can grow up to 4 meters tall, but is typically smaller in cultivation.

Related Plants

Here are some other plants that are related to Myrsine Coxii:- Myrsine Lessertiana- Myrsine Sandwicensis- Myrsine Kauaiensis- Myrsine Lanaiensis- Myrsine Linearifolia

References

– “Myrsine Coxii.” Hawaii Native Plant Society, 2021, www.hawaiiplants.org/myrsine-coxii/.- “Myrsine Coxii.” Floridata, 2021, www.floridata.com/plant/4097.- “Myrsine Coxii.” Plants of Hawaii, 2021, www.plantsofhawaii.com/hawaii_plants/myrsine_coxii.htm.