DOCSLIB.ORG

Wax Myrtle Scientific Name: Myrica Cerifera Order: Myricales Family

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Wax Myrtle Scientific Name: Myrica Cerifera Order: Myricales Family Common Name: Wax Myrtle Scientific Name: Myrica cerifera Order: Myricales Family: Myrsinaceae Description Southern wax myrtle typically has thin, olive-green leaves with serrated edges going around the entire leaf. These leaves are simple, alternate, oblong in shape, and about 2-4 inches long at maturity. The veins of southern wax myrtle leaves are pinnate extending laterally from the midrib vein of the leaf. These leaves are evergreen but do have an aromatic fragrance. Multiple trunks covered in a grayish-white bark droop to give this plant a showy appearance. Younger stems will appear lighter in color. This plant is dioecious, meaning that it has separate male and female trees, with inconspicuous green flowers. Its fruit is a fleshy drupe about ¼ inches wide, grayish-blue in color, and found densely clustered along the branches in the fall. This fruit is covered by a waxy coat and eaten by birds in the winter. Growth Habit Southern wax myrtle is usually grown as trees or shrubs and can develop as tall and wide as 35 feet but typically only seen in the 15 to 20 foot range. This evergreen has extremely dense, irregular foliage, takes on a circular vase shape, and has moderate to fine texture. These plants grow extremely rapidly. Southern wax myrtle has been known to grow up to five total feet in overall spread and height in a single growing season. Hardiness Zone(s) This plant is found in zones 7 through 11. Culture Southern wax myrtle is a relatively low maintenance plant. When first planted, it requires regular watering to get its footing. It grows best in full sun but can stand partial shade. It does well in just about any soil type including clay, sand, loam, alkaline, and acidic soils. While it can tolerate rain and flooding it does not flourish in excessive drought. Southern wax myrtle has a good salt tolerance and takes well to pruning once or twice a year. The seeds germinate easily and can even be taken from the wild and planted elsewhere if given proper care and attention. Though not always necessary, tip cuttings have proven to positively affect the overall plant. Diseases & Insects While this plant is generally pest free, from time to time it may have problems with pests like caterpillars and mites eating its new foliage. In some environments webworms can cause problems but are easily eliminated by pruning. Older branches and trunks sometimes killed by cankers. Landscape Value Due to their overall toughness and low maintenance, southern wax myrtle is an ideal landscape plant. Many homeowners use these plants as screens to enclose an area. Due to their thick foliage, they provide a good source of shade as well. They look stunning around patios or terraces. Cities have also taken to southern wax myrtle for use around highways and parks. Some have even used these versatile plants near beach homes due to their hardy characteristics. These plants are of excellent ornamental value. References Dehgan, B. 1998. Landscape Plants for Subtropical Climates. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. 656 pp. Gilman, Edward, and Dennis Watson. 2014. "Myrica cerifera: Southern Waxmyrtle. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, EDIS. Online. <http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st410> Accessed 16 April 2015. Kluepfel, M. and B. Polomski. 1999. Wax Myrtle. Clemson University Cooperative Extension. Online. <http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/landscape/shrubs/hgic1076.html> Accessed 21 April 2015. United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. Morella cerifera (L.). Online. <http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=MOCE2> Accessed 21 April 2015. This document was authored by Kayla Fontenot, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, April 2015. .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Caterpillars Moths Butterflies Woodies
    NATIVE Caterpillars Moths and utter flies Band host NATIVE Hackberry Emperor oodies PHOTO : Megan McCarty W Double-toothed Prominent Honey locust Moth caterpillar Hackberry Emperor larva PHOTO : Douglas Tallamy Big Poplar Sphinx Number of species of Caterpillars n a study published in 2009, Dr. Oaks (Quercus) 557 Beeches (Fagus) 127 Honey-locusts (Gleditsia) 46 Magnolias (Magnolia) 21 Double-toothed Prominent ( Nerice IDouglas W. Tallamy, Ph.D, chair of the Cherries (Prunus) 456 Serviceberry (Amelanchier) 124 New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus) 45 Buttonbush (Cephalanthus) 19 bidentata ) larvae feed exclusively on elms Department of Entomology and Wildlife Willows (Salix) 455 Larches or Tamaracks (Larix) 121 Sycamores (Platanus) 45 Redbuds (Cercis) 19 (Ulmus), and can be found June through Ecology at the University of Delaware Birches (Betula) 411 Dogwoods (Cornus) 118 Huckleberry (Gaylussacia) 44 Green-briar (Smilax) 19 October. Their body shape mimics the specifically addressed the usefulness of Poplars (Populus) 367 Firs (Abies) 117 Hackberry (Celtis) 43 Wisterias (Wisteria) 19 toothed shape of American elm, making native woodies as host plants for our Crabapples (Malus) 308 Bayberries (Myrica) 108 Junipers (Juniperus) 42 Redbay (native) (Persea) 18 them hard to spot. The adult moth is native caterpillars (and obviously Maples (Acer) 297 Viburnums (Viburnum) 104 Elders (Sambucus) 42 Bearberry (Arctostaphylos) 17 small with a wingspan of 3-4 cm. therefore moths and butterflies). Blueberries (Vaccinium) 294 Currants (Ribes) 99 Ninebark (Physocarpus) 41 Bald cypresses (Taxodium) 16 We present here a partial list, and the Alders (Alnus) 255 Hop Hornbeam (Ostrya) 94 Lilacs (Syringa) 40 Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne) 15 Honey locust caterpillar feeds on honey number of Lepidopteran species that rely Hickories (Carya) 235 Hemlocks (Tsuga) 92 Hollies (Ilex) 39 Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron) 15 locust, and Kentucky coffee trees.
    [Show full text]
  • Invasive Trees of Georgia Pub10-14
    Pub. No. 39 October 2016 Invasive Trees of Georgia by Dr. Kim D. Coder, Professor of Tree Biology & Health Care Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, University of Georgia Georgia has many species of trees. Some are native trees and some have been introduced from outside the state, nation, or continent. Most of Georgia’s trees are well- behaved and easily develop into sustainable shade and street trees. A few tree species have an extrodinary ability to upsurp resources and take over sites from other plants. These trees are called invasive because they effectively invade sites, many times eliminat- ing other species of plants. There are a few tree species native to Georgia which are considered invasive in other parts of the country. These native invasives, may be well-behaved in Georgia, but reproduce and take over sites elsewhere, and so have gained an invasive status from at least one other invasive species list. Table 1. There are hundreds of trees which have been introduced to Georgia landscapes. Some of these exotic / naturalized trees are considered invasive. The selected list of Georgia invasive trees listed here are notorious for growing rampantly and being difficult to eradicate. Table 2. Table 1: Native trees considered invasive in other parts of the country. scientific name common name scientific name common name Acacia farnesiana sweet acacia Myrica cerifera Southern bayberry Acer negundo boxelder Pinus taeda loblolly pine Acer rubrum red maple Populus deltoides Eastern cottonwood Fraxinus americana white ash Prunus serotina black cherry Fraxinus pennsylvanica green ash Robinia pseudoacacia black locust Gleditsia triacanthos honeylocust Toxicodendron vernix poison sumac Juniperus virginiana eastern redcedar The University of Georgia is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action.
    [Show full text]
  • Waxmyrtle-- a Shrub for a Natural Riparian Buffer
    Waxmyrtle-- A Shrub for a Natural Riparian Buffer By Susan Camp When you live on a tidal creek or river, as do many of us on the Middle Peninsula, you bear a special responsibility to maintain a healthy interface between land and water. The plants that grow along a shoreline help to protect the adjacent waterway from erosion and pollutants, and they provide valuable habitat for the wildlife that live and feed along the banks. Jim and I are fortunate to live on property that was left in a natural state by the previous owners, and we have maintained the banks for 25 years with a minimum amount of labor and no expense. The native trees, shrubs, and grasses along the water’s edge maintain themselves with minor pruning of dead wood, trimming of greenbriers, and eradication of poison ivy. One of my favorite native shrubs is waxmyrtle (Myrica cerifera or Morella cerifera), also called southern waxmyrtle or southern bayberry. Waxmyrtle is a small tree or large, multi-trunked, fast- growing shrub, depending on how it is pruned. Waxmyrtle produces numerous suckers that lend the shrub an irregular, leggy appearance, but it can be maintained with a single trunk. Waxmyrtle is found from New Jersey south to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, and west to Texas and Oklahoma, surviving in a wide range of environments from wet swamps to elevated forestland, although it is most often found in marshes and along tidal creeks and stream banks. The shrub grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 6b to 11. It is evergreen where winters are mild, but is classified as semi-evergreen in colder environments, which means it will lose its leaves when the temperature drops below 0 F.
    [Show full text]
  • Texas Big Tree Registry a List of the Largest Trees in Texas Sponsored by Texas a & M Forest Service
    Texas Big Tree Registry A list of the largest trees in Texas Sponsored by Texas A & M Forest Service Native and Naturalized Species of Texas: 320 ( D indicates species naturalized to Texas) Common Name (also known as) Latin Name Remarks Cir. Threshold acacia, Berlandier (guajillo) Senegalia berlandieri Considered a shrub by B. Simpson 18'' or 1.5 ' acacia, blackbrush Vachellia rigidula Considered a shrub by Simpson 12'' or 1.0 ' acacia, Gregg (catclaw acacia, Gregg catclaw) Senegalia greggii var. greggii Was named A. greggii 55'' or 4.6 ' acacia, Roemer (roundflower catclaw) Senegalia roemeriana 18'' or 1.5 ' acacia, sweet (huisache) Vachellia farnesiana 100'' or 8.3 ' acacia, twisted (huisachillo) Vachellia bravoensis Was named 'A. tortuosa' 9'' or 0.8 ' acacia, Wright (Wright catclaw) Senegalia greggii var. wrightii Was named 'A. wrightii' 70'' or 5.8 ' D ailanthus (tree-of-heaven) Ailanthus altissima 120'' or 10.0 ' alder, hazel Alnus serrulata 18'' or 1.5 ' allthorn (crown-of-thorns) Koeberlinia spinosa Considered a shrub by Simpson 18'' or 1.5 ' anacahuita (anacahuite, Mexican olive) Cordia boissieri 60'' or 5.0 ' anacua (anaqua, knockaway) Ehretia anacua 120'' or 10.0 ' ash, Carolina Fraxinus caroliniana 90'' or 7.5 ' ash, Chihuahuan Fraxinus papillosa 12'' or 1.0 ' ash, fragrant Fraxinus cuspidata 18'' or 1.5 ' ash, green Fraxinus pennsylvanica 120'' or 10.0 ' ash, Gregg (littleleaf ash) Fraxinus greggii 12'' or 1.0 ' ash, Mexican (Berlandier ash) Fraxinus berlandieriana Was named 'F. berlandierana' 120'' or 10.0 ' ash, Texas Fraxinus texensis 60'' or 5.0 ' ash, velvet (Arizona ash) Fraxinus velutina 120'' or 10.0 ' ash, white Fraxinus americana 100'' or 8.3 ' aspen, quaking Populus tremuloides 25'' or 2.1 ' baccharis, eastern (groundseltree) Baccharis halimifolia Considered a shrub by Simpson 12'' or 1.0 ' baldcypress (bald cypress) Taxodium distichum Was named 'T.
    [Show full text]
  • Georgia Native Trees Considered Invasive in Other Parts of the Country. Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Common Name
    Invasive Trees of Georgia Dr. Kim D. Coder, Professor of Tree Biology & Health Care, Warnell School, UGA Georgia has many species of trees. Some are native trees and some have been introduced from outside the state, nation, or continent. Most of Georgia’s trees are well-behaved and easily develop into sustainable shade and street trees. A few tree species have an extrodinary ability to upsurp resources and take over sites from other plants. These trees are called invasive because they effectively invade sites, many times eliminating other species of plants. There are a few tree species native to Georgia which are considered invasive in other parts of the country. These native invasives, may be well-behaved in Georgia, but reproduce and take over sites elsewhere, and so have gained an invasive status from at least one other invasive species list. Table 1. There are hundreds of trees which have been introduced to Georgia landscapes. Some of these exotic / naturalized trees are considered invasive. The selected list of Georgia invasive trees listed here are notorious for growing rampantly and being diffi- cult to eradicate. Table 2. They should not be planted. Table 1: Georgia native trees considered invasive in other parts of the country. scientific name common name scientific name common name Acacia farnesiana sweet acacia Myrica cerifera Southern bayberry Acer negundo boxelder Pinus taeda loblolly pine Acer rubrum red maple Populus deltoides Eastern Fraxinus americana white ash cottonwood Fraxinus pennsylvanica green ash Prunus serotina black cherry Gleditsia triacanthos honeylocust Robinia pseudoacacia black locust Juniperus virginiana eastern Toxicodendron vernix poison sumac redcedar Table 2: Introduced (exotic) tree / shrub species found in Georgia listed at a regional / national level as being ecologically invasive.
    [Show full text]
  • Antimicrobial Properties of Traditional Brewing Herbs
    ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF TRADITIONAL BREWING HERBS - Ledum palustre, Myrica gale & Humulus lupulus Gordon Virgo Project work in Ethnobiology 15 hp, 2010 Evolutionary Biology Centre (EBC) Supervisor: Hugo J. de Boer ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank my supervisor Hugo de Boer for encouragement and his excellent input to this project. Thanks to Stallhagen Brewery and Marcus Lindborg for providing material and literature. Also, I would like to thank Stefan Roos at SLU and Marianne Svarvare for guidance and technique. ABSTRACT In this study, three different brewing herbs that have been used through the history are evaluated as inhibitors of common beer spoilage organisms. The three species are Ledum palustre (Marsh Tea), Myrica gale (Bog Myrtle) and Humulus lupulus (Hops). Experimental batches of 10 L were made with all the three herbs and one without any additives. For each herb, two batches were made with different concentration, one batch with 3g/L and the other with 6g/L. All batches were treated the same and fermentation pattern for all of them were similar. Inoculations of four common beer spoilage organisms were practiced in order to examine microbial resistance of the different beers. Antibacterial activity was analyzed by membrane filtration and by measure the optical density during the incubation time. Both Humulus lupulus and Myrica gale showed clear resistance to the three gram-positive bacteria. 1 INTRODUCTION Throughout history, several different plant species have been used as beer additives for flavour and above all as preservatives. Particularly two species, Myrica gale and Humulus lupulus were widely used as beer additives in Europe (Behre 1999).
    [Show full text]
  • Seed Dispersal and Propagation of Three Myrica Species
    Of Birds and Bayberries : Alfred j. Fordham Seed Dispersal and Propagation of Three Myrica Species The genus Myrica comprises about 50 tral United States and from Europe to north- species (often ill-defined) distributed east Asia. throughout the temperate and subtropical All three of these species have nitrogen- areas of both hemispheres. The Arnold Ar- fixing root nodules, which enable them to boretum collection includes three species: thrive m areas where many other plants M. pensylvanica, M. cerifera, andM. gale. could not survive. They are dioecious - Myrica pensylvanica Lois., the common having staminate (male) and pistillate (fe- bayberry or candleberry, occurs naturally male) flowers on different plants - like hol- from Newfoundland to western New York lies and ashes. and Maryland, chiefly in poor soil. It is suck- The fruits of Myrica pensylvanica and M. ering in habit and tends to form shrubby cerifera are small (2.5-3 mm and 3.5~.5 mm clumps, which at maturity can range from 2 in diameter respectively) globose nuts with to 8 feet in height. Frequently it is found on waxlike coatings. It is this waxlike material roadside cuts, railroad banks, gravel pits, and that provides the fragrance in bayberry- other locations where topsoil has been re- scented candles and soap. It becomes bluish moved completely. In Boston its shiny green gray as it dries, making the thickly clustered leaves remain on the branches until No- fruits conspicuous in the landscape. The vember. They are fragrant when crushed, a fruits ripen in late September and are eaten characteristic of all Myrica species.
    [Show full text]
  • Myrica Cerifera Southern Waxmyrtle1 Edward F
    Fact Sheet ST-410 October 1994 Myrica cerifera Southern Waxmyrtle1 Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson2 INTRODUCTION Multiple, twisted trunks with smooth, light grey bark, aromatic, olive green leaves, and clusters of grey-blue, waxy berries on female plants which are attractive to wildlife are just some of the reasons Southern Waxmyrtle is such a popular landscape plant (Fig. 1). Most specimens form a multi-stemmed, open, rounded canopy of weak trunks and branches. This rapidly-growing, small, evergreen native tree is capable of reaching a height of 25 feet with an equal spread but is usually seen in the 10 to 20-foot range. Sometimes used as a large shrubbery screen, Southern Waxmyrtle is ideal for use as a small tree, the lower limbs removed to reveal its picturesque form. One, or several clustered together, provide pleasing dappled shade for terraces or patios. Figure 1. Middle-aged Southern Waxmyrtle. GENERAL INFORMATION standard; small parking lot islands (< 100 square feet Scientific name: Myrica cerifera in size); narrow tree lawns (3-4 feet wide); specimen; Pronunciation: MEER-ih-kuh ser-IF-er-uh sidewalk cutout (tree pit); residential street tree; no Common name(s): Southern Waxmyrtle, Southern proven urban tolerance Bayberry Availability: generally available in many areas within Family: Myricaceae its hardiness range USDA hardiness zones: 7B through 11 (Fig. 2) Origin: native to North America DESCRIPTION Uses: Bonsai; container or above-ground planter; hedge; large parking lot islands (> 200 square feet in Height: 15 to 25 feet size); wide tree lawns (>6 feet wide); medium-sized Spread: 20 to 25 feet parking lot islands (100-200 square feet in size); Crown uniformity: irregular outline or silhouette medium-sized tree lawns (4-6 feet wide); Crown shape: round; vase shape recommended for buffer strips around parking lots or Crown density: moderate for median strip plantings in the highway; near a deck Growth rate: fast or patio; reclamation plant; screen; trainable as a 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Taxon: Morella Cerifera Family: Myricaceae Common Name Synonym
    Family: Myricaceae Taxon: Morella cerifera Synonym: Myrica cerifera L. (basionym) Common Name wax-myrtle bayberry candleberry Questionaire : current 20090513 Assessor: Chuck Chimera Designation: H(Hawai'i) Status: Assessor Approved Data Entry Person: Chuck Chimera WRA Score 20 101 Is the species highly domesticated? y=-3, n=0 n 102 Has the species become naturalized where grown? y=1, n=-1 103 Does the species have weedy races? y=1, n=-1 201 Species suited to tropical or subtropical climate(s) - If island is primarily wet habitat, then (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2- High substitute "wet tropical" for "tropical or subtropical" high) (See Appendix 2) 202 Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2- High high) (See Appendix 2) 203 Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility) y=1, n=0 n 204 Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates y=1, n=0 y 205 Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range? y=-2, ?=-1, n=0 n 301 Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see y Appendix 2), n= question 205 302 Garden/amenity/disturbance weed n=0, y = 1*multiplier (see n Appendix 2) 303 Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed n=0, y = 2*multiplier (see y Appendix 2) 304 Environmental weed n=0, y = 2*multiplier (see y Appendix 2) 305 Congeneric weed n=0, y = 1*multiplier (see y Appendix 2) 401 Produces spines, thorns or burrs y=1, n=0 n 402 Allelopathic y=1, n=0 y 403 Parasitic y=1, n=0 n 404 Unpalatable to grazing animals y=1, n=-1 n 405 Toxic to animals y=1, n=0 n 406
    [Show full text]
  • Allelopathy of Wax Myrtle (Myrica Cerifera) on Schinus Terebinthifolius
    No. 1, 1981] DUNEVITZ AND EWEL — ALLELOPATHY 13 KUSHLAN, J. A. 1978. White Ibis. Pp. 83-84. In Kale, H. W. II (ed.). Endangered Biota of Florida, vol. 2, Birds. Univ. Presses of Florida, Gainesville. KUSHLAN, J. A., AND D. A. WHITE. 1977. Nesting wading bird populations in southern Florida. Florida Sci. 40:65-72. MURRAY, R. W., AND O. E. FRYE, JR. 1957. The bobwhite quail and its management in Florida. Florida Game Fresh Water Fish Comm., Game Publ. 2:1-56. OGDEN, J. C. 1978. Wood Stork. Pp. 3-4. In Kale, H. W. II (ed.). Endangered Biota of Florida, vol. 2, Birds. Univ. Presses of Florida, Gainesville. ROBERTSON, W. B., JR., AND J. A. KUSHLAN. 1974. The southern Florida avifauna. Pp. 414-452. In Gleason, P. J. (ed.). Environments of South Florida: Past and Present. Miami Geological Soc., Memoir 2. ROHWER, S. A., AND G. E. WOOLFENDEN. 1969. Breeding birds of two Florida woodlands: comparisons with areas north of Florida. Condor. 71:38-48. STODDARD, H. L. 1963. Bird habitat and fire. Proc. Ann. Tall Timbers Fire Ecol. Conf. 2:163-175. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED. 1978. Preliminary biological report for the proposed DeSoto Site Development. Prepared for Florida Power & Light Co., Miami. VOCL, R. J. 1973. Effects of fire on the plants and animals of a Florida wetland. Amer. Midi. Nat. 89:334-347. Florida Sci. 44(1):1-13. 1981. Biological Sciences ALLELOPATHY OF WAX MYRTLE (MYRICA CERIFERA) ON SCHINUS TEREBINTHIFOLIUS VICKI DUNEVITZ AND JOHN EWEL Botany Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611 ABSTRACT: Nutrient solution leached through soil in which wax myrtle teas rooted inhibited growth of schinus.
    [Show full text]
  • Conservation Department Planting Guide
    CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT PLANTING GUIDE Page Planting Plan Requirements ----------------------------------------------- 2 CT Invasive Plant List Potentially Invasive Species ----------------------------------------------- 3-9 & Possible Native Substitutes Wetland Plant Suggestions: Less ----------------------------------------- 10-12 Subject to Deer Browse Salt Tolerant Plantings ----------------------------------------------------- 13 Native Plants ----------------------------------------------------------------- 14-18 Nurseries & ------------------------------------------------------------------- 19-20 Leaf Mulch Providers Buffer Plantings -------------------------------------------------------------- 21 Raingardens ------------------------------------------------------------------- 22-23 The Connecticut Butterfly Association ---------------------------------- 24 Planting Guide Xerces Society Pollinator Planting --------------------------------------- 25 Guide: Northeast Region References -------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 Prepared by: Westport Conservation Department Staff Revised: June 2019 Planting Plan Requirements All planting plans prepared for the Conservation Department are to show the following information. Survey of property. Maximum scale is 1”= 20’-0”. Smaller scale, 1”=10’-0” is also acceptable. Designer of the plan, address and phone number Address of property and property owner name Scale of drawing Date of drawing Title of drawing North arrow Adjoining streets Wetland limits
    [Show full text]
  • Half a Century of Ornithology in Texas: the Legacy of Dr
    Half a Century of Ornithology in Texas: the Legacy of Dr. Keith Arnold Edited by Daniel M. Brooks Miscellaneous Publications of The Houston Museum of Natural Science, Number 7 Ecology, behavior and reproduction of an introduced population of Scaly-breasted Munias (Lonchura punctulata ) in Houston, Texas Alyssa R. Conn 1, Lynn Chamberlain 2 and Daniel M. Brooks 1 1 Houston Museum of Natural Science, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, Texas 77030-1799; e-mail: [email protected] 2 AECOM, 19219 Katy Freeway, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77094 Abstract - Results of a citizen-science project are reported to better understand potential impacts of an introduced population of Scaly-breasted Munias ( Lonchura punctulata ) in Houston, Texas. Houston records of munias accounted for 96% of all sightings in Texas. Nearly two-thirds of munias are found in urban habitats, with the remainder in more natural areas, especially parkland. A globose-shaped nest is built with young raised between early April - late September, and several nesting events are described. Munias are non-migratory, with flock size averaging 6.1 (range = 1-30), and three larger ‘mega-flocks’ are described. Munias are completely unaggressive towards other species and are observed foraging at feeders with 22 other species, of which 32% are other introduced species. The species most frequently associated with munias are House Finches ( Haemorhous mexicanus ) and American Goldfinches ( Spinus tristis ) which combined represented over one-half of all associations. Frequent behaviors included foraging (38%), vocalizing (24%), and perching (16%). The most common of the 25 species of plants used for perching are oak trees ( Quercus sp.
    [Show full text]