Bog-myrtles
What are they?
In the UK we have just one native member of the family Myricaceae, a small family which has species scattered across much of the globe. The family is perhaps best known in North America where shrubby species are common components of coastal habitats along the eastern seaboard and are known as wax-myrtles and bayberries. Many species have richly fragrant leaves and produce berries that are rich in waxy substances; these have been used for making candles in the past.
Where are they found?
Our single, native species is a plant of peaty fens and bogs.
Identification
The rich, spicy fragrance makes Bog-myrtle instantly recognisable.
Bog-myrtle Myrica gale
Native. A rare species in East Anglia, confined to wet, peaty fens and bogs at a single site in NE Suffolk, along the middle reaches of the Norfolk Broadland rivers and on the greensand bogs of West Norfolk. Flowers April to May. A deciduous, suckering bush that forms thickets of 1-2m in height. A rich and spicy aroma emanates from all parts of the plant, but especially from the leaves when crushed. Male and female flowers appear on separate bushes, but bushes can change sex from year to year. The flowers are carried toward the tip of the branches in upright spikes, opening before the leaves appear.
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