Myrica cerifera

Myrica cerifera is a small evergreen tree or large shrub native to North and Central America and the Caribbean. Its common names include wax myrtle, southern bayberry, candleberry, bayberry tree, and tallow shrub.

Description

Myrica cerifera grows to a height of 3-12 meters. The leaves are spirally arranged, simple, 2-5 cm long, oblanceolate with a tapered base and broader tip, and a crinkled or finely toothed margin. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow and without petals, borne in dense spikes. The fruit is a small drupe, usually with a wax coating that is traditionally used to make candles.

Distribution and habitat

Myrica cerifera is native to the southeastern United States, from Maryland to Florida and west to Texas, and also in Central America and the Caribbean. It grows in a variety of habitats, including pine barrens, sandy soils, wetlands, and even in the understory of hardwood forests.

Uses

The wax coating on the fruit of Myrica cerifera has been used for centuries to make candles, giving the plant its common names of candleberry and wax myrtle. The leaves and bark have been used in traditional medicine for their astringent properties and to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, fevers, and wounds. The plant is also used in landscaping for its attractive foliage and resistance to deer and drought.

Cultivation

Myrica cerifera is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought. It is also tolerant of salt spray and can be planted in coastal areas. It is usually propagated by seed, but can also be propagated by cuttings.

Conservation status

Myrica cerifera is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like all native plants, it is threatened by habitat loss due to development and changes in land use.