![]() Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 () Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. Many species in this genus have a symbiotic relationship with certain soil micro-organisms, these form nodules on the roots of the plants and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. The fruits can hang on the plant for several years. The fruit is covered with a deposit of wax that has a balsamic odour. 'Myda' is a large-fruited female form of low growth. It is most likely that both forms exist.Ī polymorphic species, there are some named forms. Some reports say that the plant is dioecious whilst others say it is monoecious. Plants can be evergreen in areas with warmer winters than in Britain. Thrives in any ordinary garden soil according to one report whilst another says that it thrives in an acid soil. Grows well in an open position in a well-drained soil in sun or light shade. Ī tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of fevers and externally as a wash for itchy skin. It is regarded as a sure cure for dysentery and is also used to treat internal ulcers. The wax is astringent and slightly narcotic. Externally, it is applied to indolent ulcers, sore throats, spongy gums, sores, itching skin conditions, dandruff etc. ![]() It is used internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, jaundice, fevers, colds, influenza, catarrh, excessive menstruation, vaginal discharge etc. It is harvested in the autumn, thoroughly dried then powdered and kept in a dark place in an airtight container. The root bark is antibacterial, astringent, emetic (in large doses), sternutatory, stimulant and tonic. The plant should not be used during pregnancy. Wax myrtle is a popular herbal remedy in North America where it is employed to increase the circulation, stimulate perspiration and keep bacterial infections in check. Wood - light, soft, brittle, fine-grained. The plant can be grown as an informal hedge, succeeding in windy sites. About 1 kilo of wax can be obtained from 4 kilos of berries. They are slightly aromatic, with a pleasant balsamic odour, and do not smoke when put out, making them much more pleasant to use that wax or tallow candles. Candles made from this wax are quite brittle but are less greasy in warm weather. It is then strained through a muslin cloth and can be used to make aromatic candles, sealing wax etc. The fruit is then boiled in water to extract the wax from the pulp and once more the wax is skimmed off. A wax covering on the fruit contains palmitic acid and is extracted by scalding the fruit with boiling water and immersing them for a few minutes, the wax floats to the surface and is then skimmed off.
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