Myrica esculenta

Myrica esculenta is a small tree or large shrub native to Hills of northern India and Nepal. Its common names include Box myrtle, Bayberry, Kafal (local name). It is a well-known medicinal plant in Ayurveda.

Habitat

It is found in hilly regions of northern India and Nepal especially in the regions of Garhwal, Kumaun, and western Nepal. especially at the height of 3,000-6,000 feet.. It is also found in the altitude below 1500 m asl in midhills of Nepal.

Morphology

It has a tree of medium height i.e. 20 to 25 feet. Bark is soft and brittle. Leaves are conjoint, 1 to 2 feet long that has leaflets in pairs of 6 to 9 and has a width of ¼ inch. Flowers are of white color and are found in bunches. Fruit is a globose, succulent drupe, with a bard endocarp; diameter 1.1 to 1.3 cm; average mass 670 mg. Seeds are triangular in shape and are astringent in taste.

According to Ayurveda, it has two varieties based on the color of flower: Shwet (white) and Rakta (red).

Chemical constituents

The bark is yellow colored and contains the chemical substances myricetin, myricitrin and glycosides. Besides this it contains 32%.

Toxicology

It has no toxic effect when consumed in normal dosage.

References