Morella faya is a shrub or tree that grows mainly in warm temperate and subtropical climates. It is adapted to xeric conditions and exhibits attributes such as a relatively low transpiration rate[1093 ]. Soil Texture: It thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. It is well-suited for volcanic soils and can grow in nutrient-poor or rocky substrates. Soil Moisture: It prefers moist soils but can tolerate dry conditions once established. It is adaptable to a range of soil moisture levels. Drainage: It requires well-drained soil, though it can tolerate periods of poor drainage in its native habitats. Soil pH: Prefers acidic to neutral soils. It does not thrive in highly alkaline conditions. Saline Tolerance: Not particularly tolerant of saline soils or coastal conditions. Tolerance of Poor Soil: It thrives in poor, nutrient-deficient soils, forming symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing actinomycetes, enriching the soil. Light Requirements: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Shadier conditions may result in slower growth. Height: Typically grows to about 3–10 meters (10–33 feet) tall, forming a small tree or large shrub. Pollination: Pollinated by wind. Its flowers are small and inconspicuous. Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 9–11. It is frost-sensitive but tolerates mild cold. Native to subtropical and warm-temperate regions. Invasiveness: In some areas, such as Hawaii, it is considered invasive, where it outcompetes native vegetation due to its adaptability and nitrogen-fixing abilities. Wildlife: Provides food for birds and other wildlife through its small, dark berries. Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free and disease-resistant, though invasive populations can be challenging to control. Pruning: Pruning can help maintain size and shape, especially in ornamental uses. Caution: In areas like Hawaii, it is a problematic invasive species, and planting it is discouraged. Ensure it is suitable for your region before cultivation. The mean annual rainfall range is 1,270 - 2,540mm, though it can tolerate as little as 500mm in cloud forests. The mean annual temperature may be as high as 22°c, and plants are not very cold-tolerant, being damaged by all but the lightest frosts[1093 ]. It Requires a sunny position, especially when young[1093 ]. Plants thrive on soils with a pH between 5 and 6[1093 ]. Plants have a good degree of wind tolerance[1093 ]. A dioecious species. Generally, male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required; however, male plants often produce some fruits and female individuals may bear a few male inflorescences.[1093 ]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil micro-organisms; these form nodules on the roots of the plants and fix atmospheric nitrogen. The growing plant utilises some of this nitrogen, but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[1093 ]. The native range of this species is Macaronesia, S. Portugal. It is a shrub or tree and grows primarily in the subtropical biome. it has been introduced into Hawaii [2-5]. M. faya is an evergreen tree growing up to 12 m tall in its native range but is usually much smaller where introduced, e.g. no more than 8 m tall in Hawaii, and windy and exposed sites, it may only reach a height of 2-3 m [1-8]. In its native range, M. faya is a frequent component of forest canopies and is co-dominant in many stands, whereas it is generally absent from the shrub layer. M. faya is a pioneer species on old lava flows in open areas, spreading readily into pasture lands. It is also found on sea cliffs, rocky hillsides, and along roadsides [1-8]. This tree is adapted to xeric conditions and exhibits attributes such as a relatively low transpiration rate [1-8]. Rainfall preference: Winter. Soil Tolerances: acid. Infertile. Soil drainage: free. Soil Types: acid soils, grassland soils, mountain soils, sandy soils, volcanic soils [1-8]. The fruit is usually harvested in late summer to early autumn, depending on the species and local climate. Bayberry typically flowers in spring with the timing varying slightly by species and climate. Bayberry is a moderately fast-growing plant, often establishing itself quickly and reaching maturity within 3 to 5 years. Bayberry plants are typically dioecious, meaning that they have separate male and female plants. Therefore, they are not self-fertile and require both male and female plants for fruit production.