This usually large shrub, that can form a thicket, is native to central & southern Florida, the West Indies, Central & South America. The alternate leaves are mostly clustered towards the ends of the branches and the evergreen leaves are 2 to 5 inches long. The tiny flowers are greenish-white in small clusters along the bare stems below the clustered terminal leaves, and usually the male and female flowers are borne on separate plants in winter or even year round. The fruit is borne on female plants as small, round, black drupes, being green when immature, often year round. Vegetatively this Myrsine is very similar to Marlberry (Ardisia escallonioides).

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