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| Myrtus communis | |
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Myrtus |
| Species: | M. communis |
| Binomial name | |
| Myrtus communis | |
| Synonyms [2] | |
List
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Myrtus communis, the common myrtle or true myrtle, is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family Myrtaceae. It is an evergreen shrub native to southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia, Macaronesia, and the Indian Subcontinent, and also cultivated. [3]
The plant is an evergreen shrub or small tree, growing to 5 metres (16 ft) tall. [4] The leaves are 2–5 centimetres (1–2 in) long, with a fragrant essential oil. [4]
The flowers are white or tinged with pink, with five petals and many stamens that protrude from the flower. [4] The fruit is an edible berry, blue-black when ripe. [4]
The essential oils derived from this plant have anti-proliferative and anti-quorum sensing properties, helping against food spoilage. [5] The berries are also macerated in alcohol to make Mirto liqueur.
This species [6] and the more compact M. communis subsp. tarentina [7] have won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. [8] They are hardy but prefer a sheltered position in full sun.
The plant can be propagated with seeds stratified for 3 months. [9] Also, one can use a cutting with a short heel (small part of the bark), keeping it in moistened rooting mix. [10]
Myrtle plant
Foliage
Berries
Myrtle pot
Berries macerated in alcohol to make Mirto liqueur
