Myrtle

Myrtle (scientific name: Myrtus communis) is an evergreen broad-leaved shrub native to the Mediterranean coast, belonging to the Myrtaceae family. In English, it is commonly known as Myrtle or by its scientific name, Myrtus communis. Myrtle is also the name of a herbal tea made from this plant. In Europe, it has been a flower dedicated to the goddess of love, beauty, and sexuality since ancient times, and today it is often used in bridal bouquets at weddings.

The shrub reaches a height of 2–3 meters and has densely growing branches. The leaves are 3–4 cm long, ovate with pointed tips, glossy, with entire margins, and are arranged oppositely or whorled on the branches. When the leaves are crushed, they emit a fragrance similar to eucalyptus.

In summer, fragrant white five-petaled flowers about 2 cm in diameter bloom in the leaf axils. The flowers are pure white with prominent stamens in the center. These flowers are edible, used in medicine and essential oils, and are also used in bridal bouquets. The fruit that follows is a berry that turns black when ripe and becomes sweet, making it suitable for fresh consumption and for making fruit liqueurs.

The plant is used for hedges, garden trees, potted plants, herbs, cut branches, bouquets, and fruit liqueurs, and the berries are edible.

In "Harry Potter," Moaning Myrtle appears.

Origin of the Flower Name

The Japanese name "Ginbaika" (銀梅花) comes from the pure white flowers resembling plum blossoms. In Greek mythology, Myrtle is considered the sacred tree of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The genus name "Myrtus" is derived from the Latin "Murteus," and the species name "communis" means "common."

Flower Meanings
"Whisper of love," "Peace," "Blessing," "Love," "Noble beauty"

Common Name: Myrtle
Scientific Name: Myrtus communis
Other Names: Myrtle, Myrtus communis, "Celebration Tree"
Classification: Kingdom: Plantae, Phylum: Angiosperms, Class: Dicotyledons, Order: Myrtales, Family: Myrtaceae, Genus: Myrtus, Species: M. communis
Origin: Mediterranean coast
Life Form: Evergreen broadleaf shrub
Height: 2–3 m
Leaf Characteristics: Glossy, eucalyptus fragrance when crushed, ovate shape, 3–4 cm long, entire margins with pointed tips, opposite/whorled arrangement
Flowering Period: June to July
Flower Characteristics: 4-5 petaled flowers, white, 2 cm in diameter, fragrant, edible flowers
Fruit Type: Berry, dark purple, sweet taste
Uses: Hedges, garden trees, potted plants, bonsai, topiary, herb (Myrtle), cut branches, bridal bouquets, Italian liqueur "Mirto," flowers and leaves used in medicine and essential oils, fruits are edible.

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