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Japanese Bayberry
Morella rubra
γ€γγ’γ’
An evergreen tall tree native to warm regions of western Japan. It bears red, spherical fruits in early summer that are sweet-sour and used fresh, in liquor, and in jams. Also planted as a street and park tree.
Identification Points
- βFruits dark red to reddish-purple, spherical with a bumpy surface
- βLeaves oblanceolate to oblong, entire or with wavy serrations near the apex
- βDioecious; wind-pollinated flowers are inconspicuous
Habitat
Montane forests in warm regions, parks, and streets
Season
JuneβJuly (fruits)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Growth form
Tree
Evergreen/Deciduous
Evergreen
Leaf margin
Serrate
Leaf shape
Needle
Habitat
Roadside
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf type
Simple
Venation
Pinnate
Aromatic
Aromatic
Phylogenetic Positionγ€γγ’γ’η§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Core eudicots > Fagales > Myricaceae
Divergence Era
Paleogene (about 60β50 million years ago)
Evolution Notes
Myricaceae has acquired the ability to fix nitrogen through symbiosis with root-nodule bacteria (Frankia), enabling growth in nutrient-poor soils.
View on evolution timeline βSources & References
AI-generated, needs verification