Myrsine melanophloeos, commonly known as Cape beech, Kaapse boekenhout (Afrikaans), isiCalabi (Zulu) or isiQwane sehlati (Xhosa)[2] is a dense evergreen tree that is native to the afromontane forests of Africa, ranging from Nigeria and Sudan to South Africa.

[2][3] The natural range of this stately tree is from Cape Town in the south, to Ethiopia and Nigeria in the north.

[1] In the Eastern Cape it is sometimes found alongside its smaller coastal relative, Myrsine gilliana.

The specific name 'melanophloeos' means 'black bark' and resulted from a mistaken identification of the source tree as Swartbas (Diospyros whyteana).

[citation needed] Myrsine melanophloeos is cultivated as an ornamental tree and screening shrub in gardens, and as a potted bonsai specimen.