Myrtle_(common)

<i>Myrtus communis</i>

Myrtus communis

Species of flowering plant

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.[2]

Quick Facts Myrtus communis, Scientific classification ...

Description

The plant is an evergreen shrub or small tree, growing to 5 metres (16 ft) tall.[3] The leaves are 2–5 centimetres (1–2 in) long, with a fragrant essential oil.[3]

The flowers are white or tinged with pink, with five petals and many stamens that protrude from the flower.[3] The fruit is an edible berry, blue-black when ripe.[3]

The essential oils derived from this plant have anti-proliferative and anti-quorum sensing properties, helping against food spoilage.[4] The berries are also macerated in alcohol to make Mirto liqueur.

This species[5] and the more compact M. communis subsp. tarentina[6] have won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[7] They are hardy but prefer a sheltered position in full sun.

Israeli stamp featuring the Myrtus communis, 1961
  • Myrtle plant.
  • Myrtle foliage.
  • Myrtle berries.
  • Myrtle pot.
  • Berries macerated in alcohol to make Mirto liqueur.

See also

References

  1. [1]
    The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species, retrieved 13 August 2016
  2. [2]
    USDA GRIN Taxonomy, retrieved 13 August 2016
  3. [3]
    Cretan Flora: An illustrated guide to the flora of Crete, retrieved 13 August 2016
  4. [4]
    Myszka, Kamila; Sobieszczańska, Natalia; Olejnik, Anna; Majcher, Małgorzata; Szwengiel, Artur; Wolko, Łukasz; Juzwa, Wojciech (June 2020). "Studies on the anti-proliferative and anti-quorum sensing potentials of Myrtus communis L. essential oil for the improved microbial stability of salmon-based products". LWT. 127: 109380. doi:10.1016/j.lwt.2020.109380.
  5. [5]
    "RHS Plantfinder – Myrtus communis". Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  6. [6]
    "RHS Plantfinder – Myrtus communis subsp. tarentina". Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  7. [7]
    "AGM Plants – Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 64. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
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