Myrtus communis explained

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.

The plant is an evergreen shrub or small tree, growing to 5m (16feet) tall. The leaves are 2– long, with a fragrant essential oil.

The flowers are white or tinged with pink, with five petals and many stamens that protrude from the flower. The fruit is an edible berry, blue-black when ripe.

The essential oils derived from this plant have anti-proliferative and anti-quorum sensing properties, helping against food spoilage.[1] The berries are also macerated in alcohol to make Mirto liqueur.

This species[2] and the more compact M. communis subsp. tarentina[3] have won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[4] They are hardy but prefer a sheltered position in full sun.

The plant can be propagated with seeds stratified for 3 months.[5] Also, one can use a cutting with a short heel (small part of the bark), keeping it in moistened rooting mix.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Myszka . Kamila . Sobieszczańska . Natalia . Olejnik . Anna . Majcher . Małgorzata . Szwengiel . Artur . Wolko . Łukasz . Juzwa . Wojciech . 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 . June 2020 . 127 . 109380 . 10.1016/j.lwt.2020.109380 . free .
  2. Web site: RHS Plantfinder – Myrtus communis . 10 April 2018.
  3. Web site: RHS Plantfinder – Myrtus communis subsp. tarentina . 10 April 2018.
  4. Web site: AGM Plants – Ornamental . July 2017 . 64 . Royal Horticultural Society . 10 April 2018.
  5. http://www.lebanon-flora.org/docs/germination/myrtus_communis.pdf
  6. Web site: RNZIH - Plant Doctor - Myrtle cuttings .