WAX MYRTLE. 33 
The genus Myrica belongs to the class Diwcia 
and order Tetrandria. Itis also ranked among 
the mentaceew of Linnzus and Jussieu. 
The generic character consists in an imbri- 
cated ament ; the scales without a corolla; the 
barren flowers containing four anthers, the fertile 
ones. two styles. Fruit, one seeded,—The spe- 
cific character, as given by Michaux, is as follows. 
Leaves wedge-lanceolate, with a few serratures at 
top; barren aments law ; fruit spherical, naked, 
distinct. 
The Wax myrtle is found bearing fruit at 
eyery size, from the height of one foot, to six or 
eight. In Louisiana, it is said to grow to twelve 
feet. The top is much branched, and covered 
with a grayish bark. The leaves are wedge- 
lanceolate, varying in width, sometimes entire, 
but more frequently toothed, particularly toward. 
the end. They are somewhat pubescent, a little 
paler beneath, and generally twisted, or revelute 
in their mode of growth, They are inserted in a 
scattered manner by short petioles. The flowers 
appear in May before the leaves are fully ex- 
panded. ‘She barren ones grow in catkins, which 
are sessile, erect, about half an inch or three 
quarters long; originating from the sides of the 
last year’s twigs. Kyery flower is formed by a 
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