Myrtus communis

Myrtus communis
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; L.
Synonyms
	List Myrtus acuta Mill.; Myrtus acutifolia (L.) Sennen & Teodoro; Myrtus angustifolia Raf. nom. illeg.; Myrtus augustini Sennen & Teodoro; Myrtus aurantiifolia Grimwood nom. illeg.; Myrtus baetica (L.) Mill.; Myrtus baui Sennen & Teodoro; Myrtus belgica (L.) Mill.; Myrtus borbonis Sennen; Myrtus briquetii (Sennen & Teodoro) Sennen & Teodoro; Myrtus christinae (Sennen & Teodoro) Sennen & Teodoro; Myrtus eusebii (Sennen & Teodoro) Sennen & Teodoro; Myrtus gervasii (Sennen & Teodoro) Sennen & Teodoro; Myrtus italica Mill.; Myrtus josephi Sennen & Teodoro; Myrtus lanceolata Raf. nom. illeg.; Myrtus latifolia Raf. nom. illeg.; Myrtus littoralis Salisb.; Myrtus macrophylla J.St.-Hil.; Myrtus major Garsault nom. inval.; Myrtus media Hoffmanns.; Myrtus microphylla J.St.-Hil.; Myrtus minima Mill.; Myrtus minor Garsault nom. inval.; Myrtus mirifolia Sennen & Teodoro; Myrtus oerstedeana O.Berg; Myrtus petri-ludovici (Sennen & Teodoro) Sennen & Teodoro; Myrtus rodesi Sennen & Teodoro; Myrtus romana (L.) Hoffmanns.; Myrtus romanifolia J.St.-Hil.; Myrtus sparsifolia O.Berg; Myrtus theodori Sennen; Myrtus veneris Bubani; Myrtus vidalii (Sennen & Teodoro) Sennen & Teodoro; ;

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. It is also sometimes known as Corsican pepper. ^[2]

The medicinal properties of Myrtus communis were utilized as early as 600 B.C.E. Symbolically and ritually important in ancient times, it was used to represent honor, justice, prosperity, generosity, hope, love, and happiness. In Greco-Roman mythology, numerous gods were associated with the common myrtle and its flowers, such as Aphrodite and Demeter. Also a key part of various Jewish traditions, it is one of the four species used in the festival of Sukkot, and the Bible records its use in purification ceremonies. As a shrub that thrives along waterways, it was also seen as a symbol of restoration and recovery.^[3]

In Europe during the Renaissance, it came to be best known as a symbol of love, which led to the ongoing tradition of the flower as part of the wedding bouquet.

For uses and further historical significance, see Myrtus.

Description[]

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]

Myrtus communis is known for its medicinal properties. It has been widely used as an anti-inflammatory reagent. The essential oils derived from this plant has anti-proliferative and anti-quorum sensing properties, helping against food spoilage.^[5] Myrtus communis 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.