Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Myrica quercifolia L.

Half hardy evergreen shrub with lobed, oak-like leaves, the axillary flowers in catkins, followed by round berries which exude a wax when ripe, this drying to a white, scaly powder.  to 1m. [JD, Pappe – Silva Capensis p.45/1862].

Horticultural & Botanical History

Introduced to Britain in 1752.  The common name derives from the high yield of wax derived from Myrica cerifera and its use in making candles.  [JD].  Figured in Fragmenta Botanica [Jacquin pl.1/1809]. Myrica quercifolia is the oak-leaved plant on the far left.

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues.  Possibly imported to assess its value as a source of candle wax.  See also Myrica cerifera L. 

Notes

Published Mar 23, 2009 - 04:25 PM | Last updated Mar 24, 2010 - 05:08 PM

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A number of plants are figured together with flowers and fruits in some detail. Jacquin pl.1, 1809.

Myrica quercifolia L. | Jacquin pl.1/1809 | BHL. Myrica quercifolia is the oak-leaved plant on the far left.

Family Myricaceae
Category
Region of origin

South Africa
Synonyms
  • Morella quercifolia (L.) Killick
Common Name

Candleberry myrtle
Name in the Camden Park Record

Myrica quercifolia 
Confidence level high