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[].

Common Name: Chinese Bayberry

General Information

Morella rubra is an evergreen shrub or tree growing up to 15 metres tall with a bole up to 60cm in diameter[].
The plant is commonly cultivated for its edible fruit in parts of Asia. It also has medicinal properties and is the source of a yellow dye.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Japan, Korea, southern China, Philippines

Habitat

Forests on mountain slopes and in valleys; at elevations from 100 - 1,500 metres[]. Coastal districts in warm countries[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	8.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Morella rubra is cultivated for its fruit from the warm temperate zone to the tropics. It is not very cold tolerant in cooler regions of the temperate zone, though it is said to succeed outdoors in the milder areas of Britain[]. Another report says that it only succeeds outdoors in zone 10 and does not tolerate frosts[]. Plants succeed outdoors in Japan as far north as Tokyo, but it is difficult to get them to fruit there[].
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[].
This plant has been recommended for improvement by selection and breeding for its edible fruit.
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[, ]. Succulent and aromatic[], it has an agreeable sub-acid taste[]. Juicy, sweetish and sour according to another report[]. The fruit soon rots so it is difficult to grow commercially because of the problems of getting it to market in good condition[]. The dark red to purple-red, globose fruit is around 10 - 15mm in diameter in the wild, but up to 30mm in cultivation[].

The seed is said to be edible[, , ]. This report is likely to refer to the Coniferus species, Nageia nagi (Thunb.) Kuntze, which was originally wrongly assigned to this genus[].

Medicinal

The stem and stem bark are used in the treatment of diarrhoea and gastroenteritis[].
The stem bark is used as a wash in the treatment of arsenic poisoning, skin diseases, wounds and ulcers[, , ].

The fruit is carminative, pectoral and stomachic[].

The seed is used in the treatment of sweaty feet[].

The plant is used in the treatment of cholera, heart ailments and stomach diseases[].

The stems and stem bark contain various medicinally active compounds that have cytotoxic properties and are of potential use in the treatment of cancer[].
The plant has also been shown to have antioxidant and antiviral (against influenza) activity[].

Other Uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the plant[]. (The part of the plant is not specified, but is probably the tannin-rich bark[]).

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.