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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.[3]
| Myrtus communis | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Myrtus |
| Species: | M. communis
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| Binomial name | |
| Myrtus communis | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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List
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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]
The essential oils derived from this plant have anti-proliferative and anti-quorum sensing properties, helping against food spoilage.[5] The 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.
The plant can be propagated with seeds stratified for 3 months.[9] Also, one can use a cutting with a short heel (small part of the bark), keeping it in moistened rooting mix.[10]
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Myrtle plant -
Foliage -
Berries -
Myrtle pot -
Berries macerated in alcohol to make Mirto liqueur -
Israeli stamp featuring Myrtus communis
References
edit- ^ Chadburn, H.; Wilson, B. (2018). "Myrtus communis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T203365A119997141. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T203365A119997141.en. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species, retrieved 13 August 2016
- ^ USDA GRIN Taxonomy, retrieved 13 August 2016
- ^ a b c d Cretan Flora: An illustrated guide to the flora of Crete, retrieved 13 August 2016
- ^ 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.
- ^ "RHS Plantfinder – Myrtus communis". Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "RHS Plantfinder – Myrtus communis subsp. tarentina". Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "AGM Plants – Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 64. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Myrtus communis L." (PDF). Lebanon Flora.
- ^ "RNZIH - Plant Doctor - Myrtle cuttings".