PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal Mediterranean sunlight
Watering
Water deeply when top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to mild frosts; thrives in temperate Mediterranean climates
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, oval, glossy dark green, myrtle-like, 2–5 cm long
- Flower: Small, greenish-yellow, clustered in terminal racemes
- Fruit: Red berries ripening to black, containing toxic alkaloids
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Fertilization
Apply balanced diluted fertilizer once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruiting
Eggshell powder top dressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly around base of shrub to boost soil calcium levelsPruning
- Prune in late winter to remove dead or damaged branches and maintain shape
- Thin dense growth to improve airflow and reduce fungal disease risk
- Remove any suckers to prevent overcrowding
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion leads to vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, respiratory failure
Humans: Contains coriamyrtin; ingestion of berries causes severe neurological and gastrointestinal damage, potentially fatal
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Historically used in traditional medicine (highly toxic, not recommended for modern use); ornamental shrub in Mediterranean gardens
