Myrica faya

Gagel tree ( Myrica faya )

The Gagel tree ( Myrica faya ) belongs to the family of bog myrtle family ( Myricaceae ).

Features

The dioecious, evergreen tree or tree-like shrub can reach up to 20 meters stature heights of 4 to 10, in exceptional cases. The aromatic, leathery, dark green leaves are arranged opposite one another. Their shape is lanceolate, narrowed into a short stalk. The leaves are dotted dense and fine translucent. The leaf margin is rolled over slightly wavy, sometimes irregularly crenate -serrate.

In general, branched kitten -like inflorescences are formed. The male flowers have showy red anthers. Bloom time is from March to May

Dissemination

The Gagel tree grows in the Canary Islands and is in the tree - pagans maquis ( Fayal - Brezal ) and disseminated in the laurel forest. In Portugal, this species is probably naturalized. The Gagel tree was introduced to Hawaii and there threatened the domestic Metrosideros forests.

Use

In the traditional Canarian cuisine, the dried fruits are ground and made ​​into a kind of flour, called gofio. Its wood is used for the fabrication of bars and forks support for agriculture.