Download WAX MYRTLE

Big Island Invasive Species Committee
WAX MYRTLE
Early Detection Target
Morella cerifera
If found call 961-3299
Leaves: Thin, olive green,
oblong, alternate leaves,
to 4" long. Aromatic when
crushed.
Seeds: Green to grayish
blue, rounded fruit, 1/4"
long, in dense clusters
along stems. Fruit is
heavily coated with wax.
BIISC
Forest and Kim Starr
Flowers: Small,
inconspicuous,
pinkish catkins.
TREE
Faya Tree
Forest and Kim Starr
Forest and Kim Starr
Description: Large, densely foliated,
spreading shrub, 15'-20' tall
Don’t confuse with this look alike:
BIISC
BIISC
Present
WAX MYRTLE
Morella cerifera
Family: Myricaceae
Origin: Southeastern United States
HWRA Score: 19
Big Island Habitat: Mesic to wet forests
Description: A large, densely foliated, upright shrub to small tree, 15-20 feet tall (sometimes
up to 35 feet tall) with thin, alternate, olive green leaves to 4 inches long. Leaves are aromatic
when crushed. Flowers are small, inconspicuous, pinkish catkins, followed by rounded, green
to grayish blue fruits, densely clustered along stems. Fruit is coated with wax.
Impacts: Wax myrtle grows very rapidly and spreads quickly to become a weedy pest. It is a
tough plant, adaped to many climatic conditions, which can quickly displace native vegetation.
Dispersal Mechanism: Wax myrtle produces many seeds, which are dispersed by birds. The
plant also produces suckers at the base and can resprout from roots.
Cultivation: Wax myrtle has been cultivated as a landscape ornamental and for use in
candle making. This plant has the potential to be highly invasive in Hawai'i and should not be
cultivated.
SHRUB
Don’t confuse with:
• Faya Tree (Morella faya) This close cousin, also invasive, is a larger plant, growing up
to 45 feet tall. The leaves and flowers look similar but faya tree produces much larger,
berry-like fruit.