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, following Turner I.M. (New Combinations in Malesian Myricaceae; Gardens ' Bulletin Singapore 53 (2001) 323-325.) this species has now been moved from Myrica to the genus Morella[].
There is some confusion between this species and Morella rubra. They are very similar and it is possible that they are the same, or that Morella rubra is a cultivated form of this species[].

Common Name: Bayberry

General Information

Morella esculenta is an evergreen tree with a spreading crown; it can grow from 2 - 15 metres tall. The trunk is crooked and irregularly branched; it can be up to 40cm in diameter[, , ].
The edible fruits are highly esteemed and are often gathered from the wild for local use. Said to be one of the tastiest fruits of the Himalayas, where they are gathered in quantity from the wild and sold in local markets[, ]. The bark is a major source of tannins in China[]. The tree makes a useful ornamental avenue tree[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, northeast India, Myanmar, southern China, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines.

Habitat

Open, mixed forests on mountain slopes; at elevations from 300 - 2,500 metres in southern China[]. Occurs in light forests, where it is locally numerous[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	8.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in tropical and subtropical climates, being found at elevations from the lowland up to 2,100 metres[]. It is only likely to succeed outside in the very mildest areas of the temperate zone.
Prefers a dry, well-drained soil, and can be found on sandy dunes and stony laterites[]. Prefers a moist soil. Grows well in an open position in a well-drained soil in sun or light shade[]. Thrives in any ordinary garden soil. Prefers a lime-free loamy or peaty soil[].
Yields from mature trees can be as high as 25kg per year, but are more often around 15.5kg[, ]. They have a long season of fruiting, which is ideal for home use but difficult if the fruit is to be grown commercially.
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].
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, cooked or used to make a refreshing drink[, , ]. Sweet with a pleasant blend of acid, they are very pleasant eating and can be used in desserts[, ]. The red, ellipsoid fruit is around 11 - 13mm in diameter and is carried in large racemes[, ]. The fruit contains about 12.6% sugar, 1% protein, 0.4% ash[]. Low in vitamin C, about 4.1mg per 100ml[]. The fruit does not keep well, only lasting in good condition for 2 - 3 days after picking[].

Medicinal

The bark is antirheumatic, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, carminative, ophthalmic and stimulant[, , , , ]. It has proved useful in the treatment of fevers, asthma and coughs[]. The juice is applied to treat rheumatism[]. Mixed with ginger, it is used as a rubefacient in the treatment of cholera[].
The bark is antirheumatic, astringent, carminative and stimulant[]. The juice of the bark is taken internally in the treatment of catarrh, coughs, affections of the throat and headaches, and ir also used to treat rheumatism. It is applied externally to cuts, wounds and body aches[, ]. A decoction of the bark is used in the treatment of fevers, asthma and diarrhoea[]. This decoction is boiled down to form a gelatinous mass that is applied as a poultice on sprains[]. Combined with the bark of Quercus lanata, it is used as a decoction in the treatmnt of dysentery[].
An oil prepared from the bark is used as drops in the ear to treat earaches[].
The bark of the stem or root is kept pressed between the teeth to treat dental caries[].

The juice of the unripe fruit is used as an anthelmintic[].

Other Uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the bark[, ]. It can be used to dye mordanted cotton yellowish to brownish shades[].
The bark contains 19 - 34% tannins on a dry weight basis[].

The wax-like substance which covers the fruits is sometimes extracted by boiling the fruit in water[]. The wax is used for making candles and soap[].

The timber is hard, rather closely grained and reddish-brown in colour[, ]. It makes a good fuel, which is its main use, though it is sometimes used for making poles for construction[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. Barely cover the seed and keep it moist. 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 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. Fair to good percentage[].
Cuttings of mature wood in late autumn in a frame.
Layering in spring[].
Division of suckers in the dormant season. Plant them out direct into their permanent positions.