Myrtle1

Myrtles

Myrtle

Two species of aromatic, evergreen shrubs belong to this genus, which occurs in Meditteranean regions and N Africa. Myrtus communis makes a dense, wind-resistant hedge in mild areas. The dwarf subsp. tarentina is and ideal specimen and container plant. Variegated forms are less hardy. In ancient Greece, myrtle was sacred to Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty. It is still carried today in wedding bouquets in the Middle East and elsewhere. The active compounds in M. communis are rapidly absorbed and give a violent-like scent to the urine within 15 minutes.
Erect shrub with lustrous, ovate-lanceolate leaves, to 5cm (2in) long, which have a juniper-like aroma when crushed. Fragrant white flowers, 3cm (1¼in) across, with golden stamens, appear in spring and summer, followed by blue-black berries, 1cm (3/8in) long.

Common Name:

Myrtle

Botanical Name:

Myrtus communis

Genus:

Myrtus

Family:

Myrtaceae

Native Location:

Mediterranean, SW Europe

Cultivation:

Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in sun. Given sharply drained soil and protection from cold, M. communis may survive down to -10°C (14°F) outdoors. Even with optimum conditions, 'Variegata' rarely survives below -5°C (23°F). Trim plants in spring and remove damages or dead shoots. Plants grown under cover may be damaged by whitefly and spider mites.

Propagation:

By seed sown in autumn (species only); by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.

Harvest:

Plants are cut with or without flowers and distilled for oil. Leaves are picked as required and used fresh, or dried for use in infusions. Flower buds are picked before opening and dried. Fruits are collected when ripe and dried for using whole or ground.

Height:

3m (10ft)

Width:

3m (10ft)

Variations:

Flore Pleno Has longer lasting, fully double white flowers	Subsp. tarentina Syn.Jenny Reitenbach, Microphylla, Nana (Tarentum myrte) Is a compact, free-flowering varient with narrowly elliptic leaves to 2cm (¾in) long, smaller, pink-tinged flowers, and white fruits Height: 1.5m (5ft) Width: 1.5m (5ft)
Subsp. tarentina Microphylla Variegata Has white-margined leaves.	Variegata Has leaves variegated gray-green and creamy-white

Hardiness:

Z9-10

Parts Used:

Whole plant, leaves, flower buds, fruits, oil.

Properties:

An aromatic, astringent herb that is antiseptic, and an effective decongestant.

Medicinal Uses:

Internally for urinary infections (as a substitute for Agathosma crenulata (See, Oval-Leaf Buchu), vaginal discharge, bronchial congestion, sinusitis, and dry coughs. Externally for acne (oil), gum infections, and hemorrhoids.

Culinary Uses:

Leaves, flower buds, and fruits are used to flavor dishes or pork, lamb, and small birds, sauces,a nd liqueurs, such as myrthe, especially in Corsica and Sardinia. Fruits (known as mursins) are used as a spice in the Middle East.

Economic Uses:

Oil is used in soaps, skin care products, and perfumery; also as food flavoring.

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