Morella cordifolia (Dune waxberry)
[= Myrica cordifolia]
Life
> eukaryotes >
Archaeoplastida >
Chloroplastida
>
Charophyta > Streptophytina > Plantae (land plants)
> Tracheophyta (vascular plants) > Euphyllophyta > Lignophyta (woody plants)
> Spermatophyta (seed plants) > Angiospermae (flowering
plants) > Eudicotyledons > Core Eudicots > Rosids >
Eurosid I > Order: Fagales
> Family: Myricaceae > Genus:
Morella
Identification
Usually a low-growing shrub but can reach 3 m
in height. Leaves have a lobed based, appearing almost heart-shaped
and tightly clasp the stem and measure 0.6 - 2.1 x 0.4 - 1.5 cm. The petiole is absent and the
margins of the leaves are unevenly toothed. There are separate male
and female plants (i.e. dioecious) and flowers are small in short
spikes 1-5 cm long. The small (5-8 mm diameter), round fruit have a
warty appearance caused by a dense covering of waxy scales.
Distribution and habitat
A coastal species found on stabilised dunes
where it can form dense patches. It plays a role in stabilising the
dunes in the first place. Distribution extends along the
coast from Yzerfontein on the West Coast of South Africa to the
northeastern limits of the Eastern Cape.
Phenology
Flowers from April to July.
Fruit can be found at most times of the year.
Ecological interactions
No information.
Uses
-
In the past, fruiting branches were boiled
up and the wax skimmed off the top and used to produce products
such as polish, candles, soap, and used as an ingredient in
food.
References
- Bean, A. and Johns, A. 2005. Stellenbosch to Hermanus - South African
Wild Flower Guide 5, including Kogelberg and Hottentots Holland.
Botanical Society of South Africa, Cape Town.
- Palgrave, K.C. and Palgrave, M.C. 2002. Trees of Southern Africa.
3rd Edition. Struik Publishers, Cape Town.
- Palmer, E. and Pitman, N. 1972. Trees of Southern Africa covering all
known indigenous species in the Republic of South Africa, South-West Africa,
Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland. Volume 1. A.A. Balkema, Cape
Town.
Text by Hamish Robertson |
