Myrica caroliniensis: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Species of shrub}} |
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{{hatnote|Myrica pennsylvanica redirects here; not to be confused with [[Myrica pensylvanica]]}} |
{{hatnote|Myrica pennsylvanica redirects here; not to be confused with [[Myrica pensylvanica]]}} |
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{{Speciesbox |
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{{speciesbox |
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|image =Morella carolinensis Robbie Green 1zz.jpg |
|image = Morella carolinensis Robbie Green 1zz.jpg |
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|image_caption = Morella carolinensis 'Robbie Green' |
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|genus = Myrica |
|genus = Myrica |
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|species = caroliniensis |
|species = caroliniensis |
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==Taxonomy== |
==Taxonomy== |
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This plant is one of several ''[[Myrica]]'' species that are sometimes [[lumping and splitting|split]] into the genus ''Morella'', e.g. in the [[Integrated Taxonomic Information System]]. Additionally ''[[Myrica pensylvanica|M. pensylvanica]]'', which occurs more northerly, and this species are sometimes lumped, disregarding the putative difference that ''M. pensylvanica'' is deciduous. ''M. caroliniensis'' has several [[ |
This plant is one of several ''[[Myrica]]'' species that are sometimes [[lumping and splitting|split]] into the genus ''Morella'', e.g. in the [[Integrated Taxonomic Information System]]. Additionally ''[[Myrica pensylvanica|M. pensylvanica]]'', which occurs more northerly, and this species are sometimes lumped, disregarding the putative difference that ''M. pensylvanica'' is deciduous. ''M. caroliniensis'' has several [[synonym (taxonomy)|synonyms]] aside from the ''Myrica''/''Morella'' and ''M. pensylvanica'' splits: ''Myrica heterophylla'', ''Cerothamnus caroliniensis'', and ''Myrica heterophylla'' var. curtissii. ''M. caroliniensis'' is similar to wax myrtle, ''[[Myrica cerifera|M. cerifera]]''. These plants' leaves and scent distinguish them: wax myrtle leaves have scent glands on both sides and are fragrant when crushed, bayberry has scent glands mainly on the leaf undersides and is not markedly fragrant. Bayberry and wax myrtle hybridize.<ref name=CarNat>{{cite web|url=http://www.carolinanature.com/trees/moca.html|title=Southern Bayberry (Morella caroliniensis)|accessdate=2014-05-27}}</ref><ref name=ITIS>{{cite web|url=https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=507898|title=ITIS Standard Report Page: Morella caroliniensis|publisher=[[Integrated Taxonomic Information System]]|accessdate=27 May 2014}}</ref><ref name=IITF>{{cite web|url=http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Morella%20caroliniensis.pdf|title=Morella caroliniensis|publisher=[[International Institute of Tropical Forestry|IITF]]|accessdate=27 May 2014}}</ref> |
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==Description== |
==Description== |
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In nature, it ranges from [[Texas]] to [[Maryland]] on the U.S. east coast. It is difficult to distinguish from ''M. pensylvanica'' which occurs north to Canada.<ref name=FNA /> |
In nature, it ranges from [[Texas]] to [[Maryland]] on the U.S. east coast. It is difficult to distinguish from ''M. pensylvanica'' which occurs north to Canada.<ref name=FNA /> |
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''Myrica caroliniensis'' is evergreen or tardily deciduous, forming [[rhizome|rhizomatous]] colonies |
''Myrica caroliniensis'' is evergreen or tardily deciduous, forming [[rhizome|rhizomatous]] colonies. The [[gland (botany)|glandular]] [[leaf|leaves]] are long with a leathery texture and serrated edges. The plant is [[dioecious]], with male and female flowers borne on separate plants. Male flowers have three to five [[stamen]]s surrounded by short [[bract]]s. Female flowers develop into globular drupes surrounded by a [[wax]]y coating. The species flowers from spring to early summer, and bears fruit in late summer or fall.<ref name=FNA/><ref name=USFS>{{cite web|url=http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/myrcer/all.html|title=Myrica cerifera|work=Fire Effects Information System|publisher=[[United States Forest Service]]|year=1991|author=Timothy R. Van Deelen|accessdate=28 May 2014}}</ref> |
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Bayberry is an [[actinorhizal plant]]: its roots feature nitrogen fixing nodules formed in [[symbiosis]] with the [[nitrogen fixing]] [[ |
Bayberry is an [[actinorhizal plant]]: its roots feature nitrogen fixing nodules formed in [[symbiosis]] with the [[nitrogen fixing]] [[Actinomycetota|actinobacterium]] ''[[Frankia]]''. Thus it is tolerant of nitrogen-poor, acidic soils such as wetlands and dunes.<ref name=IITF /> |
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The fruit is a source of food for many bird species, including the northern [[bobwhite quail]] and the [[wild turkey]]. In winter, the seeds are important foods for the [[Carolina wren]] and species of [[tree sparrow]]. To a point, ''M. caroliniensis'' will also provide habitat for the northern bobwhite quail. Birds' digestive systems remove the wax from the fruit, a prerequisite for [[germination]].<ref name=USFS/> |
The fruit is a source of food for many bird species, including the northern [[bobwhite quail]] and the [[wild turkey]]. In winter, the seeds are important foods for the [[Carolina wren]] and species of [[tree sparrow]]. To a point, ''M. caroliniensis'' will also provide habitat for the northern bobwhite quail. Birds' digestive systems remove the wax from the fruit, a prerequisite for [[germination]].<ref name=USFS/> |
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In general, either a [[decoction]] or a [[tincture]] is used.<ref name="Castleman p70"/> [[Infusion]]s and a topical paste have also been used.<ref name=Chevallier/> |
In general, either a [[decoction]] or a [[tincture]] is used.<ref name="Castleman p70"/> [[Infusion]]s and a topical paste have also been used.<ref name=Chevallier/> |
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[[Pregnancy|Pregnant]] women should not use |
[[Pregnancy|Pregnant]] women should not use bayberry.<ref name=Chevallier/> |
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===Candles=== |
===Candles=== |
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Southern bayberry's fruits are a traditional source of the [[wax]] for those old-fashioned [[Christmas]] decorations called bayberry [[candle]]s.<ref name=USFS/> The wax was extracted by boiling the berries, and skimming off the floating hydrocarbons. The fats were then boiled again and then strained. After that the liquid was usable in [[history of candle making|candle making]], whether through dipping or molding. Southern bayberry is not the only plant usable for making bayberry candles, however. Its close relatives are also usable.<ref name=BTTB>{{cite book|title=Back to the Basics - How to Learn and Enjoy Our Traditional Skills|year=1981|publisher=The |
Southern bayberry's fruits are a traditional source of the [[wax]] for those old-fashioned [[Christmas]] decorations called bayberry [[candle]]s.<ref name=USFS/> The wax was extracted by boiling the berries, and skimming off the floating hydrocarbons. The fats were then boiled again and then strained. After that the liquid was usable in [[history of candle making|candle making]], whether through dipping or molding. Southern bayberry is not the only plant usable for making bayberry candles, however. Its close relatives are also usable.<ref name=BTTB>{{cite book|title=Back to the Basics - How to Learn and Enjoy Our Traditional Skills|year=1981|publisher=The Reader's Digest Association Canada|page=372|place=Montreal, PQ|isbn=-0-88850-098-X}}</ref> |
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Southern bayberry and its relatives have largely been supplanted in candlemaking by substitutes made from [[paraffin wax|paraffin]]. The substitute candles have [[artificial color]]s and [[aroma compound]]s that create candles that look and smell similar to natural ones.<ref name=BTTB/> |
Southern bayberry and its relatives have largely been supplanted in candlemaking by substitutes made from [[paraffin wax|paraffin]]. The substitute candles have [[artificial color]]s and [[aroma compound]]s that create candles that look and smell similar to natural ones.<ref name=BTTB/> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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{{ |
{{Commons category|Morella caroliniensis}} |
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{{Taxonbar| |
{{Taxonbar|from1=Q17248499|from2=Q15377277}} |
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[[Category:Myrica|caroliniensis]] |
[[Category:Myrica|caroliniensis]] |
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[[Category:Plants used in traditional Native American medicine]] |
[[Category:Plants used in traditional Native American medicine]] |
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[[Category:Garden plants of North America]] |
[[Category:Garden plants of North America]] |
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[[Category:Taxa named by Philip Miller]] |
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[[Category:Flora without expected TNC conservation status]] |
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Latest revision as of 22:20, 3 March 2024
| Myrica caroliniensis | |
|---|---|
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| Morella carolinensis 'Robbie Green' | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fagales |
| Family: | Myricaceae |
| Genus: | Myrica |
| Species: | M. caroliniensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Myrica caroliniensis P. Mill. 1768
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| Synonyms[1] | |
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Myrica caroliniensis is a shrub or small tree native to the coast and coastal plains of southeastern North America. Its common names include bayberry, southern bayberry, pocosin bayberry, and evergreen bayberry. It sees uses in the garden and for candlemaking, as well as a medicinal plant.
Taxonomy[edit]
This plant is one of several Myrica species that are sometimes split into the genus Morella, e.g. in the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Additionally M. pensylvanica, which occurs more northerly, and this species are sometimes lumped, disregarding the putative difference that M. pensylvanica is deciduous. M. caroliniensis has several synonyms aside from the Myrica/Morella and M. pensylvanica splits: Myrica heterophylla, Cerothamnus caroliniensis, and Myrica heterophylla var. curtissii. M. caroliniensis is similar to wax myrtle, M. cerifera. These plants' leaves and scent distinguish them: wax myrtle leaves have scent glands on both sides and are fragrant when crushed, bayberry has scent glands mainly on the leaf undersides and is not markedly fragrant. Bayberry and wax myrtle hybridize.[2][3][4]
Description[edit]
Myrica caroliniensis is a shrub or small tree adapted to a range of environments from dunes to pocosins, mostly associated with wetlands.[2][4][5]
In nature, it ranges from Texas to Maryland on the U.S. east coast. It is difficult to distinguish from M. pensylvanica which occurs north to Canada.[5]
Myrica caroliniensis is evergreen or tardily deciduous, forming rhizomatous colonies. The glandular leaves are long with a leathery texture and serrated edges. The plant is dioecious, with male and female flowers borne on separate plants. Male flowers have three to five stamens surrounded by short bracts. Female flowers develop into globular drupes surrounded by a waxy coating. The species flowers from spring to early summer, and bears fruit in late summer or fall.[5][6]
Bayberry is an actinorhizal plant: its roots feature nitrogen fixing nodules formed in symbiosis with the nitrogen fixing actinobacterium Frankia. Thus it is tolerant of nitrogen-poor, acidic soils such as wetlands and dunes.[4]
The fruit is a source of food for many bird species, including the northern bobwhite quail and the wild turkey. In winter, the seeds are important foods for the Carolina wren and species of tree sparrow. To a point, M. caroliniensis will also provide habitat for the northern bobwhite quail. Birds' digestive systems remove the wax from the fruit, a prerequisite for germination.[6]
Uses[edit]
Ornamental[edit]
Myrica caroliniensis finds use in gardening and horticulture.[7]
Herbalism[edit]
Pioneers used the bark of bayberry in dentifrice.[4]
Choctaw boiled bayberry and used the result as a treatment for fevers. In 1722, it was reported that colonists in Louisiana drank a mixture of wax and hot water to treat severe dysentery.[8] Bayberry was reported in an account from 1737 as being used to treat convulsions, colic, palsy, and seizures.[9] Starting in the early 19th century, the herbalist Samuel Thomson recommended this plant for producing "heat" within the body and as a treatment for infectious diseases and diarrhea. That use of bayberry waned later in the 19th century, in favor of using it for a variety of ailments, including a topical use for bleeding gums.[10] For twenty years starting in 1916, bayberry root bark was listed in the American National Formulary.[9]
In general, either a decoction or a tincture is used.[10] Infusions and a topical paste have also been used.[9]
Pregnant women should not use bayberry.[9]
Candles[edit]
Southern bayberry's fruits are a traditional source of the wax for those old-fashioned Christmas decorations called bayberry candles.[6] The wax was extracted by boiling the berries, and skimming off the floating hydrocarbons. The fats were then boiled again and then strained. After that the liquid was usable in candle making, whether through dipping or molding. Southern bayberry is not the only plant usable for making bayberry candles, however. Its close relatives are also usable.[11]
Southern bayberry and its relatives have largely been supplanted in candlemaking by substitutes made from paraffin. The substitute candles have artificial colors and aroma compounds that create candles that look and smell similar to natural ones.[11]
References[edit]
- ^ The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species, retrieved 11 May 2016
- ^ a b "Southern Bayberry (Morella caroliniensis)". Retrieved 2014-05-27.
- ^ "ITIS Standard Report Page: Morella caroliniensis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
- ^ a b c d "Morella caroliniensis" (PDF). IITF. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
- ^ a b c "Myrica heterophylla in Flora of North America @ efloras.org". Flora of North America. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
- ^ a b c Timothy R. Van Deelen (1991). "Myrica cerifera". Fire Effects Information System. United States Forest Service. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
- ^ "Plants profile for Morella caroliniensis (Southern bayberry)". USDA Plants database. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
- ^ Michael Castleman (1991). The Healing Herbs. Rhodale Press. p. 69. ISBN 0-87857-934-6.
- ^ a b c d Andrew Chevallier (1996). The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. The Reader's Digest Association. p. 236. ISBN 0-88850-546-9.
- ^ a b Michael Castleman (1991). The Healing Herbs. Rhodale Press. p. 70. ISBN 0-87857-934-6.
- ^ a b Back to the Basics - How to Learn and Enjoy Our Traditional Skills. Montreal, PQ: The Reader's Digest Association Canada. 1981. p. 372. ISBN -0-88850-098-X.
