California wax-myrtle
The species California wax-myrtle was easily valued and grown on the pacific coast for its evergreen leaves and berries. It is also described as a perennial tree or shrub. This species has a relatively long life span and a pretty quick growth rate. At maturity it will reach up to 33 feet high and about 20 feet in width. Their greatest bloom is seen usually in early summer.
Taxonomy
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Myricales
Family: Myricaceae (bayberry family)
Genus: Morella Lour
Species: Morella California
Scientific name(s): Myrica californica, Pacific wax myrtle, Bayberry
Morphology
Phyllotaxy: Alternate
Leaf Type: Simple, toothed, serrated, and the leaves are pointed upward clustered at terminal ends of the branches. They are between 5-8 cm long, the petiole is about 1 cm, and the leave have black dot on them. Leaves are retained year to year.
Life History: Perennial
Reproductive structure: their fruit and seed production start in summer and continue until fall, but they ripen in early autumn. Fruits are purple to black and each berry has one seed within coated with white wax. The berries are seen September through October. The flowers appear in late spring through early summer on female and male trees. The bark is compact, smooth, dark gray or light brown on the surface, and dark red to brown internally.
Ecology:
Pacific wax myrtle grows along Washington’s coastline. Wax myrtle is a hearty evergreen, deciduous, small tree or shrub that grows quickly. It requires little sun, but it can tolerate full sun, as well as almost tolerating full shade, and thrives in poor soil. When it is warm it can produce a mild yet spicy fragrance.
Interesting Notes:
This plant contains nitrogen fixing bacteria in its roots and with this capability it is said to exceed that of legumes. It is also said that wax myrtle can repel insects. Their growth is clonal so several stems may grow from the same root and the underground runners extend the clone. Myrica californica is used in tree strips for windbreaks. They’re managed to protect livestock, control soil erosion, and enhance production. It can also be pruned and useful for screening.
Ethnobotany:
Wax from the pulp of the fruit was used in making aromatic candles. The wax also used in making soups. A dye was obtained from the dried or fresh berries that made a grayish brown and maroon-purple color.
References
Pacific wax-myrtle [Internet]. pullman(WA):Board of Regents; http://www.pnwplants.wsu.edu/PlantDisplay.aspx?PlantID=352
- California Wax Myrtle (Californica). gardenguides.com [Internet]. 2010. http://www.gardenguides.com/taxonomy/california-wax-myrtle-morella-californica/
David Bryes. Wax myrtle or bayberry: Morella cerifera [Internet].web.fscj.edu/David. Bryes/waxmyrtle/myrica.htm
Ed Tisch Memorial Arboretum 