Myrtus communis, the common myrtle or true myrtle, is an Old World species of flowering plant in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. It forms an evergreen shrub.

Description

The plant is an evergreen shrub or small tree, growing to tall. The leaves are long, with a fragrant essential oil.

The flowers are white or tinged with pink, with five petals and many stamens that protrude from the flower. The fruit is an edible berry that is blue-black when ripe.

Distribution and habitat

The species is native to southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia, Macaronesia, and the Indian subcontinent.

Cultivation

This species and the more compact M. communis subsp. tarentina have won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. They are hardy but prefer a sheltered position in full sun.

The plant can be propagated with seeds stratified for 3 months. Also, one can use a cutting with a short heel (small part of the bark), keeping it in moistened rooting mix.

Uses

The essential oils derived from this plant have anti-proliferative and anti-quorum sensing properties, helping against food spoilage. The berries are also macerated in alcohol to make Mirto liqueur.

References