Myrica cerifera, also known as wax myrtle or southern bayberry, is a small evergreen shrub native to the southern United States. The name myrtle derives from the Greek word for fragrant, and indeed the wax myrtle’s leaves, when crushed in the hand, exude a floral, savory fragrance. The dried leaves can be used to season sauces and stews. In fact, all parts of the plant have found use. The shrub’s berries, when boiled, release fats that can be skimmed and collected to yield a wax suitable for candle-making, and the root-bark, prepared as a decoction or a tincture, is a staple in the herbalist’s cabinet.
