This is an attractive, medium sized fruit tree with bay like leaves, perfect for lawns in warm zones. Myrica Rubra is a subtropical tree that resembles a small baytree that is grown for its sweet, crimson to dark purple-red, edible fruit. It is a small to medium sized tree with smooth gray bark and a rounded habit. The tree is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers bloom on individual trees. When immature, the fruit is green and matures into a dark red to purple-red color. It is native to eastern Asia, mainly in China, where it has been grown for at least 2000 years.
They are also referred to as Chinese bayberry, Japanese bayberry, Yangmei, or Chinese strawberry trees. The fruit is about 1 inch in diameter, with a round, knobby surface that varies form red to purple. The pulp is similar in color with a sweet and tart flavor. Each fruit has a single seed is about 10% of the fruit much like a cherry. The Chinese have been using the seeds, leaves and roots for medicinal purposes for centuries. The bark has also been used as a yellow dye.
The fruit can also be canned, dried, juiced and made into wine. Also known as Yumberry. This fruit has seen a dramatic increase in popularity over the last decade especially in Australia. Hardy for zones 8 and higher. Does well in subtropical climates but can stand mild freezes.