Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra) | seeds, 10 pcs.

• Latin name: Myrica rubra
• Danish names: Kinesisk jordbærtræ, jordbærtræ
  
• English names: Yamamomo, yangmai, Chinese bayberry, red bayberry, yumberry, waxberry, Chinese strawberry
  

Myrica rubra, commonly known as Chinese bayberry or yangmei, is a beautiful, evergreen tree with a long cultural history in East Asia. It originates from China, where it has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years for its ornamental qualities and tasty fruits.

The tree has an elegant, upright growth habit with narrow, leathery leaves in a fresh green hue. In the summer, it develops its characteristic, spherical fruits – dark red to purple – with an uneven, almost berry-like surface. The flavor is aromatic, fresh, and tart-sweet, with notes reminiscent of a mix of cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate.

Cultivation and requirements:

Myrica rubra thrives in warm and humid climates and prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil. It grows best in full sun to light shade. The tree is moderately hardy, but does not tolerate long periods of frost – in Denmark, it should therefore be grown in a greenhouse, conservatory, or in large pots that can be overwintered frost-free at temperatures above 0 °C.

For fruit production, it is an advantage to have more than one tree, as Myrica rubra is often dioecious (separate male and female plants).

Cultivation from seed:

The seeds require stratification (cold period) for 2–3 months before they will germinate readily (our seeds are stored in a refrigerator, so they are already stratified). They are sown in an acidic, well-drained seed compost and kept moist at approx. 20–25 °C. Germination can take several weeks to months, and fresh seeds provide the best germination rate.

Utility:

The fruits are highly sought after in China, where they are eaten fresh, dried, or used for juice, wine, and jam. They are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and anthocyanins. In addition to the fruits, the tree has ornamental value year-round as an evergreen and is used in landscape plantings in East Asia.

Myrica rubra is an exclusive plant for collectors and fruit enthusiasts – a beautiful tree with an exciting history and fruits that offer a unique taste experience.