Myrsine africana, also called Cape myrtle, African boxwood or thakisa, is a species of shrub in the family Primulaceae.

[1] The shrub can achieve heights of over 2 metres (6.6 ft) and may be dense if pruned or grown in strong sunlight.

Parts of the plant are used in milk and meat-based soups by the Batemi and Masai people of Africa, which is thought to reduce cholesterol levels in tribes that consume large amounts of meat.

[2] A powder derived from the plant's leaves is called katam (كتم), used to dye hair since ancient times.

[3] Cape myrtle is increasingly popular for topiaries and small hedges, as it can so readily be pruned and shaped.