Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)

At a glance

Lifecycle: Perennial (hardy)
Exposure: Full sun
Frost limit: −23.3 °C

Cultivation

Prefers a moist soil. Plants can be evergreen in areas with warmer winters than in Britain. 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. The fruit is covered with a deposit of wax that has a balsamic odour. Closely related to M. pensylvanica, with which it hybridizes. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. 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.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. 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. Layering in spring.

Edible uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. There is very little edible flesh and the quality is poor[K]. Leaves and berries are used as a food flavouring. The dried leaves are brewed into a robust tea.

Medicinal uses

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. The root bark is antibacterial, astringent, emetic (in large doses), sternutatory, stimulant and tonic. The wax is astringent and slightly narcotic. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of fevers and externally as a wash for itchy skin.

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. A blue dye is obtained from the fruit. The plant can be grown as an informal hedge, succeeding in windy sites[K]. Wood - light, soft, brittle, fine-grained.

Habitat

Thickets on sandy soil near swamps and marshes.

Native range

South-eastern N. America. Possibly naturalized in S. England.

Scientific synonyms Morella cerifera