The treatment by Wilbur R.L. (The Myricaceae of the United States and Canada: genera, subgenera, and series.'; Sida 16 (1):, 93-97, 1994), proposed dividing the genus Myrica into three genera. This seems to be gaining acceptance and so, following Turner I.M. (New Combinations in Malesian Myricaceae; Gardens ' Bulletin Singapore 53 (2001) 323-325.) this species has now been moved from Myrica to the genus Morella[].

Common Name:

General Information

Morella javanica is a much branched, erect shrub or small tree with a crooked bole and rather dense crown; it usually grows from 2 - 10 metres tall, exceptionally reaching 20 metres[, ].
It is sometimes gathered from the wild for its edible fruit and its wood is highly valued as a fuel. It is grown as an ornamental and roadside tree and is also planted in reforestation projects[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea.

Habitat

Prefers sunny, open sites, often on volcanic ridges, where it is a pioneer species that can become gregarious[]. It is often the dominant species in dense forest[]. It is found at elevations from 900 - 3,300 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	5.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant flowers throughout the year[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - edible but insipid[]. Eaten when fully ripe[]. The fruit is a broadly ellipsoid berry with many yellow glands but otherwise glabrous, black with bluish violet juice, rather acid in flavour and not very palatable[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is often found in the wild
near active craters, on ridges, and lava streams, where it will often form a pioneer vegetation[]. It is used in reforestation projects[].

Other Uses

The wood is valued as a fuel and makes an excellent charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe. Barely cover the seed and keep it moist. Stored seed germinates more freely if given a 3 month cold stratification and then sown in a cold frame. Germination is usually good[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on until large enough to plant out.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, in a frame. Fair to good percentage[].
Cuttings of mature wood in the dormant season
Layering[].
Division of suckers in the dormant season. Plant them out direct into their permanent positions.

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