The treatment by Wilbur R.L. (The Myricaceae of the United States and Canada: genera, subgenera, and series.'; Sida 16 (1):, 93-97, 1994), proposed dividing the genus Myrica into three genera. This seems to be gaining acceptance and so this species has now been moved from Myrica to the genus Morella[].
Closely related to Morella pensylvanica, with which it hybridizes[].

Common Name: Wax Myrtle

General Information

Morella cerifera is a tough and very versatile plant, succeeding as far north as New Jersey (where it grows as a low deciduous shrub), and south through the tropics to Puerto Rico and British Honduras (where it is an evergreen tree)[].
The plant is gathered from the wild and used locally as a source of wax, as a food, medicine and source of dyes. It is also sometimes grown as a hedge.
Morella cerifera has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

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

Botanical References

, ,

Range

C. America - Panama, north to Mexico and through coastal USA from Texas to New Jersey; Caribbean

Habitat

Thickets on sandy soil near swamps and marshes[], also on dry arid hills in which situation it is often only a few centimetres tall[]. Moist coastal woodlands; at elevations up to 1,000 metres in the tropics[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows well in an open position in a well-drained soil in sun or light shade[]. Prefers a moist soil[]. Thrives in any ordinary garden soil according to one report[] whilst another says that it thrives in an acid soil[]. Prefers a lime-free loamy or peaty soil[]. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant[]. Plants can succeed in windy positions, tolerating salt-laden winds[].
Some reports say that the plant is dioecious whilst others say it is monoecious. It is most likely that both forms exist[, ].
A polymorphic species[], there are some named forms.
The fruit is covered with a deposit of wax that has a balsamic odour[]. The fruits can hang on the plant for several years[].
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[].

Edible Uses

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

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

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

Medicinal

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 plant should not be used during pregnancy[].

The root bark is antibacterial, astringent, emetic (in large doses), sternutatory, stimulant and tonic[, , , , , ]. It is harvested in the autumn, thoroughly dried then powdered and kept in a dark place in an airtight container[]. It is used internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, jaundice, fevers, colds, influenza, catarrh, excessive menstruation, vaginal discharge etc[, , ]. Externally, it is applied to indolent ulcers, sore throats, spongy gums, sores, itching skin conditions, dandruff etc[, , ].

The wax is astringent and slightly narcotic[]. It is regarded as a sure cure for dysentery and is also used to treat internal ulcers[].

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

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant can be grown as an informal hedge[], succeeding in windy sites[].

Other 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[, , , , , , , , ]. Candles made from this wax are quite brittle but are less greasy in warm weather[]. The wax is firm and hard and on that account the candles are especially suited to hot climates[]. They are slightly aromatic, with a pleasant balsamic odour[], and do not smoke when put out, making them much more pleasant to use than wax or tallow candles[]. The wax is also used in making soaps and shoe polish[, ]. About 1 kilo of wax can be obtained from 4 kilos of berries[].

A blue dye is obtained from the fruit[].

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

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame[]. Stored seed germinates more freely if given a 3 month cold stratification and then sown in a cold frame[]. Germination is usually good[]. 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[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, mid summer 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[].