Myrica cerifera
Myrica cerifera, commonly known as wax myrtle, is a versatile evergreen shrub native to the southeastern United States. Renowned for its aromatic foliage and resinous berries, this plant holds significant ethnobotanical value. It is traditionally used in medicinal preparations to treat skin ailments, respiratory issues, and various inflammatory conditions.
- Scientific name: Myrica cerifera
- Family: Myricaceae
- Native range: Pacific
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, placing it within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified under the order Fagales and the family Myrricaceae, specifically falling within the genus Myrica. As a member of the genus Myrica, Myrica cerifera represents a distinct lineage within these hierarchical biological groupings.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fagales | WCVP |
| Family | Myricaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Myrica | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several distinct regions. In the North-Central Pacific, it can be found in Hawaii. Its presence extends into the North-Central United States, specifically within Illinois and Oklahoma. Moving toward the eastern part of the country, it is also located in New Jersey. Finally, the species reaches into the South-Central United States, notably in Texas.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| North-Central Pacific | Hawaii | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Illinois | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Oklahoma | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | New Jersey | WCVP |
| South-Central U.S.A. | Texas | WCVP |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Alabama | WCVP |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Arkansas | WCVP |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Delaware | WCVP |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Florida | WCVP |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Georgia | WCVP |
Chemicals
Myrica cerifera has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Myricitrin, methanol, methylene chloride, myriceric acid A, myriceric acid C.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Myricitrin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| methanol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| methylene chloride | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| myriceric acid A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| myriceric acid C | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| myriceric acid D | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Myrica cerifera has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Myrica cerifera has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include atherosclerosis, bacterial infections, cardiovascular diseases, coronavirus, nematode infections.
- Total uses
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| atherosclerosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bacterial infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cardiovascular diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coronavirus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| nematode infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |