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Description
Morella Cordifolia, also known as Wax Myrtle, is a species of flowering plant native to North America. It is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree or shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate to elliptical in shape, with a glossy dark green color. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, with male and female flowers on separate plants. The fruit is a small, round drupe that turns blue-gray when ripe and is covered in a waxy coating.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fagales |
| Family: | Myricaceae |
| Genus: | Morella |
Appearance
Morella Cordifolia is a dense, bushy plant with a rounded habit. The bark is gray and smooth, and the branches are slender and flexible. The leaves are leathery and glossy, with a heart-shaped base and a pointed tip. The plant produces small, bluish-gray berries that are covered in a waxy coating. The plant generally grows up to 20 feet tall, but can occasionally reach up to 30 feet in height.
Care Guide
Morella Cordifolia is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping it healthy:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
- Sunlight: Morella Cordifolia prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Morella Cordifolia is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can occasionally be affected by scale insects, spider mites, and powdery mildew. These can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Root rot can also occur if the plant is overwatered, so be sure to provide good drainage.
Habitat
Morella Cordifolia is native to North America, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, coastal areas, and upland forests. It is commonly found in the southeastern United States, from Virginia to Florida, and west to Texas. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Morella Cordifolia poisonous?
A: No, Morella Cordifolia is not poisonous.
Q: Can Morella Cordifolia be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Morella Cordifolia can be grown in containers, but it may need to be pruned to keep it from outgrowing its container.
Q: Does Morella Cordifolia attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the plant’s berries are a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Q: Is Morella Cordifolia drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, Morella Cordifolia is somewhat drought-tolerant, but it will still need to be watered regularly in hot weather.
Related Plants
- Myrica cerifera
- Myrica pensylvanica
- Myrica heterophylla
- Myrica gale
References
- “Morella Cordifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed March 22, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h670.
- “Morella Cordifolia.” Plants for a Future. Accessed March 22, 2021. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Morella+cordifolia.
- “Wax Myrtle (Morella Cordifolia).” Southern Living. Accessed March 22, 2021. https://www.southernliving.com/plants/wax-myrtle-morella-cordifolia.
