Box myrtle, Soh-phi
Myrica nagi
Family: Myricaceae
What it is like
A tall spreading evergreen tree. It grows 12-15 m high. Trees are separately male and female. The leaves are crowded towards the ends of branches. They are sword shaped and 9 cm long by 3 cm wide. They are pale green underneath. The flowers are made up of 25 in a catkin. The fruit are round and fleshy. They are red.
An unresolved name in The Plant List. Possibly synonym of Myrica esculenta.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in the Himalayas between 1,300-2,100 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Bangladesh, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten raw. They are sour.
It is an attractive tasty fruit.
Edible parts
Fruit, seeds
How it is grown
A tree can yield 16 kg of fruit. Fruit can only be stored for 2-3 days.
Its other names
Local names
Bon bogori, Delaoji, Ga-ok, Gowt, Kainaryamy, Kaphala, Kaphol, Kat-pho, Kayphol, Makingat, Peziakecuu, Piyeh-shi, Sohslia, Sophi, Zheashi