#myrsine

Hanging out together!

Celebrating Solanum's win in the Final Mix tournament!

Don't ask Pebbles to read!

Credits:

Myrsine was the ancient Greek pharmacologist and botanist Pedanius Dioscorides name for the Myrtle - not, in fact, related to this plant. Divaricata refers to the growth habit - the twigs branch at almost right angles, repeatedly, until the branchs are strongly interlaced.

A common small tree or shrub in many parts of Aoteoroa.

The small leaves and divaricating habit probably evolved to protect them from browsing by the giant flightless moa birds - quite a few shrubs in New Zealand have the same habit.

There are over over 280 species worldwide, often tropical or subtropical. In the United States, the genus is known as colicwood. Some species such as M. africana and M. australis are grown as ornamental shrubs.

AKA red matipo, tīpau, and mataira, a shrub endemic to New Zealand, and offshore islands. There are four other Myrsine species on the mainland, and four more on the islands, but the other 300-odd species are found elsewhere in the world.

Māpou is a fast growing, early colonizing species, yet can also survive within dense forest understorey, and is now grown as an attractive hedge plant.

FLOWER OF THE DAY!

Anconitum (African Boxwood, Wolfsbane, Monkshood, Myrsine)

Meaning

Chivalry, beware, a deadly foe is near

Origins

Cool-toned, blue-colored hooded flowers borne on erect spikes reaching up to 4 feet tall are the hallmarks of monkshood, formally known as Aconitum napellus. A member of the Ranunculaceae family, monkshood is a cousin of the delphinium, a familiar garden flower. Monkshood is sometimes referred to as wolfsbane.

Availability and Vase Life

April through October. 5-10 days.

Care and Handling

It is extremely toxic, so florists and consumers should wash their hands thoroughly after handling.

Design Uses