Bayberry Root (Myrica cerifera) is a small tree or large shrub native to North America. Its common names include Southern Wax myrtle, Southern Bayberry, Candleberry, Bayberry tree, and Tallow shrub. It sees uses both in the garden and for candlemaking.
The plant contains several organic compounds, including: triterpines such as myricadiol, taraxerol, and taraxerone, as well as chemicals such as different flavonoids, tannins, resins, gums, and phenols. These compounds have varying effects.
Bayberry's fruits are a traditional source of the wax for those old-fashioned Christmas decorations called bayberry candles. The wax was extracted by boiling the berries, and skimming off the floating hydrocarbons. The fats were then boiled again and then strained. After that the liquid was usable in candle making, whether through dipping or molding. Southern Bayberry is not the only plant usable for making bayberry candles, however. Its close relatives are also usable.
Bayberry and its relatives have largely been supplanted in candle making by substitutes made from paraffin. The substitute candles have artificial colors and scents that create candles that look and smell similar to natural ones.
Bayberry Root Bark C/S<br>16 oz Net Wt.
$53.80
