Myrsine Divaricata

Description

Myrsine Divaricata, also known as the Wild Passion Fruit, is a flowering plant that is native to New Zealand. It is a small evergreen shrub that grows up to 3 meters tall and 2 meters wide. It produces clusters of small, fragrant, white flowers that bloom in spring and summer, followed by round, black berries that are edible and enjoyed by birds.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Myrsine Divaricata has a dense, bushy habit and glossy, dark green leaves that are oblong and up to 8 cm long. The plant has a slender stem and produces numerous branches that create a layered effect. The flowers are small and white, with a sweet fragrance. The berries are round, black and shiny, with a diameter of about 6-8 mm.

Care Guide

The Myrsine Divaricata is an easy plant to care for and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:

• Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, every 2-3 weeks.
• Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal.
• Sunlight: The Myrsine Divaricata prefers partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
• Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Myrsine Divaricata is generally pest-free and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also develop root rot if overwatered, so be sure to avoid waterlogging the soil.

Habitat

The Myrsine Divaricata is native to New Zealand, where it grows in forests, shrublands, and coastal cliffs. It prefers well-draining, moist soils and partial shade.

Question and Answer

Q: Is the Myrsine Divaricata a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, the Myrsine Divaricata is a fairly easy plant to care for and is suitable for beginners.Q: Can the berries of the Myrsine Divaricata be eaten by humans?
A: Yes, the berries of the Myrsine Divaricata are edible and have a sweet taste. However, they are mostly enjoyed by birds.Q: Where is the Myrsine Divaricata commonly found?
A: The Myrsine Divaricata is native to New Zealand, but it is also commonly found in other parts of the world, including Australia and Hawaii.Q: How often should I fertilize my Myrsine Divaricata?
A: Fertilize your Myrsine Divaricata every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Related Plants

• Myrsine Australis
• Myrsine Kermadecensis
• Myrsine Luma
• Myrsine Melanophloeos

References

• “Myrsine Divaricata.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/myrsine-divaricata/
• “Myrsine Divaricata.” PlantNet. http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Myrsine~divaricata
• “Myrsine Divaricata.” Florabank. https://www.florabank.org.au/lucid/key/species%20navigator/media/html/Myrsine_divaricata.htm