Myrica serrata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Myrica bojeriana
• Myrica banksiifolia
• Myrica natalensis
• Morella serrata
• Myrica conifera
• Myrica mossii
• Myrica aethiopica
• Fagus aspleniifolia

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fagales, specifically within the family Myrricaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Myrica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse distribution across several key regions of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, its presence is noted within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Moving toward East Tropical Africa, it can be found inhabiting parts of Tanzania. The species also extends into South Tropical Africa, specifically appearing in Angola and Malawi. Finally, its geographical range reaches into Mozambique, completing its spread across these southern territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Myrica serrata is defined by its adaptability to diverse topographical gradients and specific soil compositions. This species thrives across a broad elevational range, spanning from sea level at 0 m AMSL up to a maximum altitude of 2150 m AMSL. Its preferred habitat is characterized by geoxylic grasslands, particularly those situated within sandy soils, where it integrates into the unique vegetative structure of these ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

2150 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

geoxylic grassland (sandy soils)

Life history

The life history of Myrica serrata is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to establish a long-lasting presence within its natural ecosystem. As a long-lived woody plant, it progresses through distinct developmental stages, beginning with seed germination in moist, riparian, or forest environments. Following the initial establishment phase, the plant undergoes a period of vegetative growth, developing a robust root system and a spreading canopy that enables it to compete for sunlight and nutrients over many years. Once maturity is reached, the plant enters its reproductive phase, producing inconspicuous flowers that facilitate pollination. The lifecycle is defined by its continuous ability to persist through multiple seasons, contributing to the stability of its habitat through its enduring biological structure.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Myrica serrata is characterized by a woody growth form, typically manifesting as a shrub. This species is a terrestrial, self-supporting plant that grows independently, without acting as a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of stature, it exhibits significant variation in plant height, ranging from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 6 meters, with an average height of approximately 12 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

6 m

Plant height mean:

12 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Myrica serrata is characterized by the production of specialized fruit structures classified as drupes. These fruits are indehiscent, meaning they do not split open at maturity to release their contents, which is a key factor in their dispersal mechanism. The seeds contained within these fruits are notably small and lightweight, with a recorded mean seed mass of 0.00386 g. The variation in individual seed weight is minimal, ranging from a minimum mass of 0.00355 g to a maximum mass of 0.00417 g, ensuring a consistent reproductive output for the species.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Fruit type :

drupe

Seed mass max:

0.00417 g

Seed mass mean:

0.00386 g

Seed mass min:

0.00355 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Myrica serrata has 10 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Adaptogenic, Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial.

Adaptogenic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Analgesic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antibacterial

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Antidiabetic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antimicrobial

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antioxidant

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antitumor

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Antitussive

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Aphrodisiac

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Laxative

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology