We ship Internationally and Australia wide | Phytosanitary Certificates available for international orders.
MYRICA rubra
Chinese Strawberry Tree
Other common names: Yangmei, Yamamomo, Chinese bayberry, Japanese Bayberry, Red Bayberry, Yumberry & Waxberry
Family: Myricaceae
Characteristics: Large evergreen shrub or small tree to 15 metres
Seeds per packets: 6
A tree grown for its sweet, crimson to dark purple-red, edible fruit that in native to eastern Asia, mainly in south-central China where it has been grown for at least 2000 years.
The 2 cm diameter fruit are round with a knobby surface that varies in colour from red to purple, the pulp is similar in colour with a sweet, tart flavour. It is well known as a rich source of tannins.
The fruit can be used in bottled pasteurised juice or juice blends, wine, jams and preserves or dried.
Other parts of the plant including the seeds, leaves and roots are used in Chinese medicinal as herbal astringent, antidote, and anti-diarrhoea treatment. The bark is often used as a yellow dye.
Adaptable to most soil types including light sandy soil, loamy and clay soils although it preforms best in a well-drained soil. Full sun or semi-shade position.
Cold stratification of 90 days is recommended for this species. This can be replicated by cold stratification in the refrigerator or alternatively over wintering in the garden in cold climates will assist germination.
The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 16-22°C
- Nick seed with a sharp knife.
- Soak seed overnight in warm water.
- Sow seed on surface of a porous seed raising mix and gently press until level with the mix.
- Sprinkle a light covering of the seed raising mix over the seed.
- Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
- Ensure the mix is moist but not water logged.
- Place the container in plastic bag.
- Place the bagged container in the refrigerator for 90 days.
- Place in a warm shaded or semi shaded position to avoid dying out.
- Keep warm & moist, avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
- Germination generally occurs in 21-28 days when moved to warmer temperatures 16-22°C after the period of cold treatment.
General note: Seeds of many plants are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.
We now stock a range of Propagation Accessories including the popular Aquamiser Propagation Kits, Pots, Native and Forestry Tubes, Trays, Labels and more.
We can only ship these items to Australian locations, international customers please request shipping quotation prior to purchasing.
Importing to Tasmania Prohibited