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Myrica cerifera
  • Wax Myrtle

a perennial woody deciduous member of the Myrica genus in the family Myricaceae.

Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • Hedge
    Hedge
    There are no details available for this function.
  • Nitrogen fixer
    Nitrogen fixer
    There are no details available for this function.
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral
    Acid to Neutral
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 6
    Zone 6
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Myrica cerifera has 0 edible uses listed
Myrica cerifera has 0 material uses listed
Myrica cerifera has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

There is a report that some of the constituents of the wax are carcinogenic[1].

Edible uses

Notes

Fruit - raw or cooked[2][3][4]. The fruit is about 3mm in diameter with a large seed[5]. There is very little edible flesh and the quality is poor[K].

Leaves and berries are used as a food flavouring[6][2][3]. They make an aromatic, attractive and agreeable substitute for bay leaves, and can be used in flavouring soups, stews etc[4].

The dried leaves are brewed into a robust tea[4].

Unknown part

Condiment
Tea

Fruit

Unknown use

Material uses

A wax covering on the fruit contains palmitic acid and is extracted by scalding the fruit with boiling water and immersing them for a few minutes, the wax floats to the surface and is then skimmed off. The fruit is then boiled in water to extract the wax from the pulp and once more the wax is skimmed off. It is then strained through a muslin cloth and can be used to make aromatic candles, sealing wax etc[7][8][9][10][6][11][12][13][14]. Candles made from this wax are quite brittle but are less greasy in warm weather[15]. They are slightly aromatic, with a pleasant balsamic odour[13], and do not smoke when put out, making them much more pleasant to use that wax or tallow candles[15]. The wax is also used in making soaps[15]. About 1 kilo of wax can be obtained from 4 kilos of berries[8].

A blue dye is obtained from the fruit[9]. The plant can be grown as an informal hedge[5], succeeding in windy sites[K].

Wood - light, soft, brittle, fine-grained[16][17]. The wood weighs 35lb per cubic foot[17]. It is of no commercial value[18].

Unknown part

Dye
Wax
Wood

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Wax myrtle is a popular herbal remedy in North America where it is employed to increase the circulation, stimulate perspiration and keep bacterial infections in check[19]. The plant should not be used during pregnancy[19].

The root bark is antibacterial, astringent, emetic (in large doses), sternutatory, stimulant and tonic[8][20][21][22][15][19]. It is harvested in the autumn, thoroughly dried then powdered and kept in a dark place in an airtight container[8]. It is used internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, jaundice, fevers, colds, influenza, catarrh, excessive menstruation, vaginal discharge etc[8][23][19]. Externally, it is applied to indolent ulcers, sore throats, spongy gums, sores, itching skin conditions, dandruff etc[8][23][19]. The wax is astringent and slightly narcotic[8]. It is regarded as a sure cure for dysentery and is also used to treat internal ulcers[8].

A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of fevers and externally as a wash for itchy skin[1].

Unknown part

Antibacterial
Astringent
Emetic
Narcotic
Sternutatory
Stimulant
Tonic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Hedge


Nitrogen fixer

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame[24]. Stored seed germinates more freely if given a 3 month cold stratification and then sown in a cold frame[24]. Germination is usually good[24]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the cold frame for the first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer[K].

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Pot up and overwinter in a cold frame then plant out in late spring or early summer. Fair to good percentage[24].

Layering in spring[5].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Myrica cerifera. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a moist soil[5]. Grows well in an open position in a well-drained soil in sun or light shade[5]. Thrives in any ordinary garden soil according to one report[10] whilst another says that it thrives in an acid soil[25]. Prefers a lime-free loamy or peaty soil[7].

Plants can be evergreen in areas with warmer winters than in Britain[17]. Some reports say that the plant is dioecious whilst others say it is monoecious. It is most likely that both forms exist[82, K]. A polymorphic species[10], there are some named forms. 'Myda' is a large-fruited female form of low growth[25]. The fruit is covered with a deposit of wax that has a balsamic odour[13]. The fruits can hang on the plant for several years[15]. Closely related to M. pensylvanica, with which it hybridizes[26]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[5].

Many species in this genus have a symbiotic relationship with certain soil micro-organisms, these form nodules on the roots of the plants and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[5].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Myrica cerifera. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Myrica cerifera.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Myrica cerifera
Genus
Myrica
Family
Myricaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[2][3][4][5][6]
Medicinal uses
[19][8][20][21][22][15][23][1]
Material uses & Functions
[7][8][9][10][6][11][12][13][14][15][5][16][17][18]
Botanic
[10][26][5]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Hedge, Nitrogen fixer
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
6
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
  • Strong wind
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
deciduous
Herbaceous or Woody
woody
Life Cycle
perennial
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
9 x 3 meters
Fertility
?
Pollinators
Wind
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type
monoecious











References

  1. ? 1.01.11.2 Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
  2. ? 2.02.12.2 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.13.2 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.14.24.3 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.45.55.65.75.85.9 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.16.26.3 Elias. T. and Dykeman. P. A Field Guide to N. American Edible Wild Plants. Van Nostrand Reinhold ISBN 0442222009 (1982-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.17.2 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.48.58.68.78.88.9 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
  9. ? 9.09.19.2 Mabey. R. Plants with a Purpose. Fontana ISBN 0-00-635555-2 (1979-00-00)
  10. ? 10.010.110.210.310.4 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
  11. ? 11.011.1 Saunders. C. F. Edible and Useful Wild Plants of the United States and Canada. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-23310-3 (1976-00-00)
  12. ? 12.012.1 Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press (1952-00-00)
  13. ? 13.013.113.213.3 Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)
  14. ? 14.014.1 Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J [Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas] Botanical Research Institute, Texas. (1999-00-00)
  15. ? 15.015.115.215.315.415.515.6 Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books ISBN 0-449-90589-6 (1980-00-00)
  16. ? 16.016.1 Sargent. C. S. Manual of the Trees of N. America. Dover Publications Inc. New York. ISBN 0-486-20278-X (1965-00-00)
  17. ? 17.017.117.217.3 Vines. R.A. Trees of North Texas University of Texas Press. ISBN 0292780206 (1982-00-00)
  18. ? 18.018.1 Elias. T. The Complete Trees of N. America. Field Guide and Natural History. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. ISBN 0442238622 (1980-00-00)
  19. ? 19.019.119.219.319.419.5 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
  20. ? 20.020.1 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
  21. ? 21.021.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
  22. ? 22.022.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
  23. ? 23.023.123.2 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
  24. ? 24.024.124.224.3 Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
  25. ? 25.025.1 Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray ISBN 0-7195-5043-2 (1992-00-00)
  26. ? 26.026.1 Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. (1950-00-00)

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Facts about "Myrica cerifera"RDF feed
Article is incompleteYes +
Article requires citationsNo +
Article requires cleanupYes +
Belongs to familyMyricaceae +
Belongs to genusMyrica +
Functions asHedge + and Nitrogen fixer +
Has binomial nameMyrica cerifera +
Has common nameWax Myrtle +
Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
Has edible partUnknown part + and Fruit +
Has edible useCondiment +, Unknown use + and Tea +
Has environmental toleranceHigh wind +
Has fertility typeWind +
Has flowers of typeMonoecious +
Has hardiness zone6 +
Has lifecycle typePerennial +
Has material partUnknown part +
Has material useDye +, Wax + and Wood +
Has mature height9 +
Has mature width3 +
Has medicinal partUnknown part +
Has medicinal useAntibacterial +, Astringent +, Emetic +, Narcotic +, Sternutatory +, Stimulant + and Tonic +
Has search namemyrica cerifera + and wax myrtle +
Has shade toleranceLight shade +
Has soil ph preferenceAcid + and Neutral +
Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy + and Clay +
Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
Has sun preferenceFull sun +
Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
Has taxonomy nameMyrica cerifera +
Has water requirementsmoderate +
Is deciduous or evergreenDeciduous +
Is herbaceous or woodyWoody +
Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
PFAF edible use notes migratedNo +
PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
PFAF toxicity notes migratedNo +
Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
Tolerates windYes +
Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
Has subobjectThis property is a special property in this wiki.Myrica cerifera +, Myrica cerifera +, Myrica cerifera +, Myrica cerifera +, Myrica cerifera +, Myrica cerifera +, Myrica cerifera +, Myrica cerifera +, Myrica cerifera +, Myrica cerifera +, Myrica cerifera +, Myrica cerifera + and Myrica cerifera +