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 this species has now been moved from Myrica to the genus Morella[].

Common Name:

General Information

Morella pringlei is a densely branched shrub growing 30 - 250cm tall[].
A wax obtained from the fruit is used locally to make candles etc.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Central America - Mexico.

Habitat

Open slopes amongst oak trees at an elevation of 1,300 - 1,700 metres in Guatemala[]. Pine forests, at an elevation of 1,740 metres in Mexico[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A wax is obtained from the fruit[, ].
This wax is similar to that obtained from M. Cerifera. The information for that plant is as follows:-
A wax covering on the fruit contains palmitic acid and is extracted by scalding the fruit with boiling water and immersing them for a few minutes, the wax floats to the surface and is then skimmed off. The fruit is then boiled in water to extract the wax from the pulp and once more the wax is skimmed off. It is then strained through a muslin cloth and can be used to make aromatic candles, sealing wax etc[, , , , , , , , ]. Candles made from this wax are quite brittle but are less greasy in warm weather[]. The wax is firm and hard and on that account the candles are especially suited to hot climates[]. They are slightly aromatic, with a pleasant balsamic odour[], and do not smoke when put out, making them much more pleasant to use than wax or tallow candles[]. The wax is also used in making soaps and shoe polish[, ].

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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