Myrica esculenta

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Morella esculenta

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Fagales and is a member of the family Myricaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Myrica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within China, it is specifically found in the South-Central and Southeast territories. The species also has a significant presence across the Indian Subcontinent, particularly in the state of Assam. Furthermore, it thrives within the borders of Bangladesh. Finally, its range extends into the rugged landscapes of the East Himalaya region.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Myrica esculenta is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution, allowing it to inhabit diverse montane environments. This species thrives across a significant vertical gradient, with its occurrence spanning from a minimum elevation of 280 m AMSL to a maximum peak of 2500 m AMSL. Within this ecological range, the plant finds its optimal niche at a mean elevation of approximately 1390 m AMSL, suggesting a preference for mid-altitude montane zones where specific temperature and moisture regimes are met. This wide elevational flexibility enables the species to adapt to varying atmospheric pressures and climatic shifts associated with different mountain strata.

Elevational range max:

2500 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1390 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

280 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Myrica esculenta is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over many growing seasons. Throughout its existence, the plant maintains a consistent physiological presence, categorized specifically as an evergreen, ensuring that its foliage remains functional and present regardless of the seasonal transitions.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Myrica esculenta is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically categorized as a tree. It functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies, and is classified as a terrestrial species rather than an aquatic or epiphytic one. The plant exhibits a self-supporting structural habit, distinguishing it from climbing lianas or vines. In terms of vertical dimension, the plant reaches a maximum height of 15 m, with a mean height of approximately 7.5 m, and can grow as short as 4 m depending on environmental conditions.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

15 m

Plant height mean:

7.5 m

Plant height min:

4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Myrica esculenta is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its metabolic processes and carbon fixation efficiency. The plant's vegetative structure features leaves that are morphologically classified as ovate-lanceolate in form, possessing a distinct toothed margin. These leaves exhibit significant dimensional variability, with a minimum length of 5 cm and a maximum length reaching up to 18 cm, maintaining a mean length of approximately 11.5 cm. In terms of lateral expansion, leaf width ranges from a minimum of 1.5 cm to a maximum of 4 cm, with a mean width of 2.75 cm. Structurally, the foliage is smooth regarding defensive adaptations, as it possesses no leaf thorns and no leaf spines. Furthermore, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, relying instead on external nitrogen availability within its ecosystem to support its physiological development.

Leaf form :

ovate-lanceolate

Leaf length max:

18 cm

Leaf length mean:

11.5 cm

Leaf length min:

5 cm

Leaf margin :

toothed

Leaf spines :

no

Leaf thorns :

no

Leaf width max:

4 cm

Leaf width mean:

2.75 cm

Leaf width min:

1.5 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Myrica esculenta is characterized by specific morphological and genetic parameters, notably through its pollination and seed development processes. In terms of sexual reproduction, self-fertilization is absent, suggesting a reliance on cross-pollination mechanisms to ensure genetic diversity. The plant produces fruits that exhibit significant variability in size, with a mean fruit length of 1.5 cm, ranging from a minimum of 1 cm to a maximum of 2 cm. The seeds produced within these fruits are highly uniform in weight, maintaining a consistent mass where both the mean, minimum, and maximum values are recorded at 0.023 g.

Fruit length max:

2 cm

Fruit length mean:

1.5 cm

Fruit length min:

1 cm

Seed mass mean:

0.023 g

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Myrica esculenta has 3 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include fruit, leaf, stem.

Fruit

1. Medicinal chemistry (Shariqah (United Arab Emirates))

Leaf

1. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine

Stem

1. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine

Chemicals

Myrica esculenta has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CATECHIN, Flavonoids, Glycosides, Tannins, myricetin.

CATECHIN

1. Medicinal chemistry (Shariqah (United Arab Emirates))

Flavonoids

1. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine

Glycosides

1. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine

Tannins

1. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine

myricetin

1. Medicinal chemistry (Shariqah (United Arab Emirates))

Medicinal Uses

Myrica esculenta has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include asthma, chronic bronchitis, inflammation, anemia, cough.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations