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Common Name: Box Myrtle

General Information

Myrica nagi is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 12.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, there is a report for some members of this genus that some of the constituents of the wax might be carcinogenic[].

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - Himalayas.

Habitat

Drier aspects to 1800 metres[]. Open, mixed forests on mountain slopes at elevations of 300 - 2500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	12.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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[].
We are not sure how hardy this plant will be in Britain, it is unlikely to succeed outside the very mildest areas of the country. There is also some confusion between this species and M. rubra, it is possible that they are the same.
The fruit is sold in local markets in the Himalayas[]. It ripens over a fairly long period, so is not suitable for commercial cultivation[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
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[]. Sweet with a pleasant blend of acid, they are very pleasant eating[]. About 13mm in diameter[]. 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[]. Yields from mature trees can be as high as 25kg per year, but are more often around 15.5kg[].

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 juice of the bark is taken internally in the treatment of catarrh and headaches, and is applied externally to cuts and wounds[]. A decoction of the bark is used in the treatment of fevers, asthma and diarrhoea[]. This decoction is boiled 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[].
The juice of the unripe fruit is used as an anthelmintic[].

Other Uses

A wax covering on the fruit 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. Candles made from this wax are quite brittle but are less greasy in warm weather[]. They are slightly aromatic and do not smoke when put out, making them much more pleasant to use that wax or tallow candles[]. The wax is also used in making soaps[].
A yellow dye is obtained from the bark[, ].
The plant is a source of tannin[]. (Probably the bark or the leaves[].) The bark is said to contain 60 - 80% tannin[].
Wood - hard, close-grained. a good fuel[]. Used mainly for fuel, 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.