Chinese Bayberry

Myrica rubra

Physical Characteristics

Myrica rubra is an evergreen Shrub growing to 15 m (49ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It is in leaf all year. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[1, 105]. Succulent and aromatic[82], it has an agreeable sub-acid taste[183]. Juicy, sweetish and sour according to another report[174]. The fruit soon rots so it is difficult to grow commercially because of the problems of getting it to market in good condition[174]. The fruit is up to 25mm in diameter[200]. The seed is said to be edible[61, 177, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Cardiac Carminative Cholera Pectoral Skin Stomachic Vulnerary Astringent, carminative, vulnerary[174, 178]. The stem bark is used as a wash in the treatment of arsenic poisoning, skin diseases, wounds and ulcers[218]. The fruit is carminative, pectoral and stomachic[218]. The seed is used in the treatment of sweaty feet[218]. The plant is used in the treatment of cholera, heart ailments and stomach diseases[218].

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[222].