Myrsine (Myrsine cubana) is a common native bush or small tree that grows in the Hammocks of the Florida Penninsula, the West Indies and South America. The leaves of this shiny evergreen tree are characteristically placed near the tips of the stems. They were used by Native Americans to extend their tobacco and the bark used to tan leather. Myrsine plants are either male or female and must be close together for pollination to occur. The pale green flowers and dark berries are placed close on the stems and are eaten by birds but do not taste good to humans. Another common name is Collicwood.
