Myrica rubra

Yangmei (Myrica rubra)
Scientific name	Myrica rubra (Lour.) Siebold & Zucc.
Synonym	Morella rubra Lour.
Genus	Myrica
Family	Myricaceae
Order	Fagales
Growth form	Evergreen shrub or tree
Native range	Southern China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines
Native biome	Warm temperate to subtropical forest and mountain valleys
Mature height	About 10 to 20 m in tree form
Soil	Moist, well drained, preferably acidic or lime-free
Flowers	Small unisexual flowers; plants generally dioecious
Fruit	Red, purple, or white knobbly drupe-like fruit
Propagation	Fresh seed, cuttings, layering, grafting
Harvest	Commonly May to June in China

Yangmei (Myrica rubra), also called Chinese bayberry, red bayberry, waxberry, or yumberry, is an evergreen fruit tree in the genus Myrica, family Myricaceae, and order Fagales. Kew currently treats Myrica rubra as the accepted name; Morella rubra is a widely encountered synonym.^[1][2]

Description

Myrica rubra is an evergreen shrub or tree that can reach about 10 to 20 m, with a rounded crown and smooth gray bark. Leaves are leathery, dark green, and elliptic to lanceolate, with serration commonly concentrated toward the upper margin. The species is generally dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants, and is wind-pollinated.^[2][3]

Yangmei tree.

The fruit is round, typically 1.5 to 2.5 cm across, with a knobbly surface formed by fleshy papillae. Color ranges from white through pink and red to deep purple. The single central seed is relatively large, and the flesh is juicy, aromatic, sweet, and tart. Fruit quality varies among cultivars and seedlings.^[2][3]

Climate and site

Yangmei is native to eastern Asia, including southern and southeastern China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines. In China it is strongly associated with warm, humid regions south of the Yangtze, including mountain slopes and valleys. Flowering in China is commonly reported in March and April, followed by fruit development in May and June.^[2]

The tree prefers moist but well-drained soil and tolerates poor acidic ground. Use a lime-free loam or sandy loam where possible, with organic matter and reliable summer moisture. It can grow in sun or light shade, but fruit production requires adequate light. Avoid alkaline, compacted, or permanently wet soil. The species forms root nodules with nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, so excessive nitrogen fertilization is unnecessary.^[3]

Soil

Yangmei is associated with acidic soils on moist mountain slopes, valleys, and woodland margins. Native soils may be sandy loam, weathered red earth, or other well-drained soils with organic matter; the species tolerates relatively poor ground but not persistent alkalinity or stagnant water. Preserve an acid reaction and avoid lime-rich amendments.^[3]

Sun and humidity

Full sun supports flowering and fruit color, although young trees tolerate light shade. Native production regions are warm and humid, with summer rainfall and moist air. Good ventilation remains important in humid gardens, especially where the crown is dense.

Seasonal changes

In much of its Chinese range, flowers appear in late winter or spring and fruit ripens in late spring to early summer. Summer rains support fruit enlargement, while cooler winter conditions slow growth. Maintain moisture during flowering and fruit development, but avoid wet roots during the cooler dormant period.

Propagation

Sow fresh seed as soon as it is ripe and barely cover it. Stored seed may germinate more reliably after a period of cold stratification, but seed should not be allowed to dry severely. Seedlings are variable and may be male or female, so grafting, layering, or cuttings are preferable for preserving a productive female selection. Exact cultivar-specific rooting percentages: N/A.^[3]

Flowering, fruiting and harvest

Male and female trees are needed for fruit production when plants are dioecious. Wind carries pollen between trees. In China, flowering is commonly March to April and fruit ripens from May to June, although local elevation and climate shift the calendar. Fruit should be harvested at full color and handled promptly because it softens and deteriorates quickly.^[2]

The fruit can be picked from the tree at a firm mature stage for transport or allowed to reach full eating quality immediately before sale. A single harvest calendar for all climates: N/A.

Fruit and uses

Yangmei fruiting branch.

Yangmei is eaten fresh and processed into juice, wine, syrup, preserves, and other products. Its strong color and sweet-tart flavor make it valuable for beverages and preserved fruit. Fresh fruit has a short shelf life, which is why rapid cooling, careful packing, and local processing are important.^[3]

Pests and diseases

N/A

Cultivars and selections

Chinese production includes many named or locally selected types that differ in fruit color, size, acidity, sweetness, seed size, and harvest date. A complete internationally standardized cultivar list: N/A. Plant sex and regional adaptation should be recorded when acquiring material.

Container growing

Young plants can be maintained in large containers with acidic, well-drained soil and full sun to light shade. Keep the root zone evenly moist and protect the plant from alkaline irrigation water. Container culture is especially useful where winter frost is occasional, but a male pollinizer may still be required for a female tree.

Zone pushing

• Treat the tree as frost-sensitive in climates colder than its established warm-temperate range.
• Protect young roots from winter wet and cold using a raised, free-draining planting site.
• Test irrigation water if the local supply is alkaline.
• Plant compatible male and female trees or use a grafted tree known to carry both sexes.

References

1. ↑ Plants of the World Online: Myrica rubra (Lour.) Siebold & Zucc.. Accepted name and synonymy.
2. ↑ Myrica rubra. Description, flowering and fruiting calendar, range, and common names; references linked from the article.
3. ↑ Useful Tropical Plants: Morella rubra. Habitat, cultivation, soil, propagation, fruit, and uses.

Image credits

• Summary: fruits.
• Description: tree.
• Fruit and uses: fruiting branch.
• Photos: male flowers; female flowers.

Photos

Male flowers.

Female flowers.