Wax Myrtle, Morella cerifera Synonym: Myrica cerifera

Wax myrtle is one the most widespread plants in Florida, and it is found in coastal states west to Texas and north to New Jersey. The wax found around seeds can be melted down to make candles. The fruits of wax myrtle are important for birds and other wildlife, and the plant is a larval host for th...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Debbie Miller, Mack Thetford, Chris Verlinde, Gabriel Campbell, Ashlynn Smith
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: The University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries 2018-10-01
Series:EDIS
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/106960
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Summary:Wax myrtle is one the most widespread plants in Florida, and it is found in coastal states west to Texas and north to New Jersey. The wax found around seeds can be melted down to make candles. The fruits of wax myrtle are important for birds and other wildlife, and the plant is a larval host for the banded hairstreak and redbanded hairstreak butterflies (Satyrium calanus and Calycopis cecrops, respectively) (Lotts and Naberhaus 2017). Wax myrtle has been shown to contribute substantial nitrogen addition to soils via symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing microorganisms residing in soils (Permar and Fisher 1983). https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sg176 This publication is derived from information in SGEB-75/SG156, Dune Restoration and Enhancement for the Florida Panhandle, by Debbie Miller, Mack Thetford, Christina Verlinde, Gabriel Campbell, and Ashlynn Smith. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sg156.
ISSN:2576-0009