Bayberry Fruit Plant (Myrica Esculenta)

Myrica Esculenta

Common Names: Box myrtle, Bayberry, Kaphal, Kaiphal, Kirishivani.

Botanical Name: Myrica Esculenta

General Information:

Type: Tree or large shrub.

Native: Northern India.

Best for: Subtropical Climate

Edibility: Berries are edible and consumed locally.

Harvest: Harvested from the wild for local use as food and medicine.

Medicinal Uses:

Used in folk medicine for asthma, cough, chronic bronchitis, ulcers, inflammation, anemia, fever, diarrhea, ear, nose, and throat disorders. Root Bark and Berries: Used to make medicine.

Cultivation Information:

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 3 to 4 Years

Maintenance Required: Moderate

Myrica esculenta, commonly known as Box myrtle, Bayberry, or Kaphal, is a tree or large shrub native to northern India. The berries of this plant are not only edible but also serve various medicinal purposes. The ripe fruit is consumed raw, offering a delightful blend of sweetness and sourness with a hint of strawberry.

In traditional medicine, Myrica esculenta is utilized for treating a range of conditions, including asthma, cough, chronic bronchitis, ulcers, inflammation, anemia, fever, diarrhea, and disorders related to the ear, nose, and throat. Both the root bark and berries are employed in making medicinal preparations.