Family: Myrtaceae
Species: Myrtus communis L.
Common name: Myrtle
Etymology
From the Latin myrtus, from the Greek myrtos, of Semitic origin, deriving from the same root as myron, which means “scented essence”.
Description
Myrtus communis is a small, evergreen shrub with an open habit and compact, bright green foliage. It grows very slowly but can become centuries old. The reddish-grey bark flakes off in elongated plates when young. The shiny, leathery leaflets are arranged to form a beautiful, compact canopy. They are elongated, with a very sharp apex and an entire margin, and exhibit a single prominent vein; the underside is lighter. The phyllotaxis is the opposite, with each pair of leaflets staggered by ninety degrees to maximise sunlight exposure.
The solitary, axillary flowers are long-stalked, scented, and white or pink. They have radial symmetry and a variable number of petals. Long, abundant stamens give the flower a vapourous appearance. Flowering occurs in May and June. The fruits are ellipsoid berries, black-blue or reddish-purple, which, if unharvested, persist on the plant for a long time and are very decorative.
Habitat
Native to the Mediterranean region.
Properties and Uses
Man has valued every part of the myrtle plant for thousands of years. In addition to the famous liqueur made from its berries or leaves, the essential oil—extracted from the branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits—is vital in perfumery and soaps, deodorants, and cosmetics. Its active ingredients include compounds with balsamic and antiseptic properties.
In the kitchen, myrtle is used to flavour meat, fish, game, cured meats, cheeses, and olives. Its hard, aromatic, and easily polished wood is used to make small objects such as handles and javelins. Briar is particularly valuable for the production of small pieces of furniture and decorative objects.
Notes and Curiosities
Since ancient times, the whiteness of its flowers has symbolised virginal grace. Ancient Egyptians fashioned crowns of myrtle to wear with pomegranate flowers, while the Persians donned myrtle crowns to invoke the gods and seek victory. At banquets in Athens and Rome, myrtle sprigs were passed hand-to-hand as a sign of joy.
In Roman gardens, myrtle was often trained into topiary forms. It was considered a symbol of good luck and good fortune among the Greeks and Romans and was given to those embarking on long journeys or to victorious commanders and athletes. It also symbolised fertility and fecundity, being used at wedding banquets, to adorn brides, to exchange gifts between lovers on the summer solstice, or as an ornament during the celebrations of Venus Myrtle.
This small tree is widespread in Mediterranean scrub, although it suffers from reducing and destroying natural ecosystems. In Sardinia, it is a symbolic plant due to the famous liqueur produced there. Many varieties and cultivars exist, and in this garden, the diverse cultivars planted together create a suggestive evergreen scrub with camouflage colours reminiscent of a military uniform.