Bayberry Tree

Name-

Common-Bayberry tree/

Scientific-Myrica Cerifera

Classification- Plant-Myricales

Description-grow up to 3-8 feet in height and 1.3 centimeters wide/greenish-gray color/lifespan is 20 years/includes a waxy substance which is used to make bayberry candles, soaps, and is even used to make wax seals/growth rate is moderate.

Pictures-

Habitat- Preferred living place is near rivers, streams, wetlands, fields, and hillsides.

Niche- It provides bayberry fruits which other birds, quail and turkey consume as food.

Food Sources- They perform photosynthesis to make food; they are a prey, because other animals such as cattle consume them for food

Endangered- It is of no concern

Cultural Significance- It is used to make candles, artificial colors and scents, soaps, and is also used as a medicine plant.

Cool story- Long ago, Native Indians used the Myrica Cerifera plant as part of their seasoning for foods. They used to mash and grind them together and use it as how we would use pepper. Along with being used as seasoning, the Myria plants’ main use was to be made into great smelling candles, which is how the name Myrica Cerifera was put into place. Cerifera means “wax” and Myrica means “tamarisk” which is a tree that is similar to the wax myrtle.