Family: Myrtaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 471 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Myrtus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Macaronesia to Pakistan
Description
Myrtle, known scientifically as Myrtus communis, is a species that has etched its presence from the regions of Macaronesia to Pakistan. This evergreen shrub or small tree belongs to the Myrtaceae family, a botanical group celebrated for its aromatic and medicinal varieties.
Renowned since antiquity, Myrtle has been mentioned in numerous classical texts and holds a spot in the lore and spiritual traditions of various cultures. Its leaves, small and leathery, emit a distinct fragrance when crushed, characteristic of the essential oils rich within. These oils have been used historically in natural medicine and perfumery, valued for their soothing and antiseptic properties.
The plant’s white or blush-pink flowers, which bloom in summer, are another highlight, consisting of numerous stamens that give the blossoms a fluffy appearance. These are followed by blue-black berries, which have culinary and medicinal uses.
Myrtle’s resilience and adaptability allow it to thrive in diverse climatic conditions, from temperate zones to more arid landscapes, reflecting its natural range across a vast and varied geography. This adaptability makes it a favorite for gardeners seeking hardy yet beautiful foliage and blossoms in their spaces.
In summary, Myrtus communis is a cherished member of the Myrtaceae family, celebrated for its rich historical significance, aromatic qualities, and resilience across a broad geographic range. Its beauty and utility continue to captivate enthusiasts and gardeners alike.
Common Names
Fr: Myrte commun, Herbe du lagui
Gl: Mirto
De: Myrte, Echte Myrte, Braut-Myrte, Brautmyrte, Gewöhnliche Myrte
El: Μυρτιά
He: הדס מצוי
Hu: Közönséges mirtusz
It: Mirto, Mortella, Mirtella, Mortine
Ko: 은매화
No: Myrt
Fa: مورد
Pl: Mirt, Mirt zwyczajny
Pt: Murta, Murta-comum
Ru: Мирт обыкновенный
Sc: Murta
Sk: Myrta obyčajná
Es: Arrayán, Mirto, Murta, Arrayan
Sv: Myrten
Th: เมอร์เทิล
Uk: Мирт звичайний
Vi: Hương đào
Cy: Myrtwydd
Deu: myrte
Eng: myrtle
Spa: arrayán, mirto
Por: murta-comum
Fra: myrte commun
Swe: myrten
En: Myrtle, Common Myrtle, Greek Myrtle, Sweet Myrtle, True Myrtle
Af: Gewone mirt, Mirt
Ar: آس
Az: Adi mərsin
Eu: Mirto
Ca: Murtra, Murta
Zh: 香桃木
Co: Murta
Hr: Mirta
Cs: Myrta obecná
Da: Almindelig Myrte
Nl: Mirte, Mirt
Eo: Mirto
Et: Harilik mürt
Fi: Välimerenmyrtti, Myrtti
Synonyms
- Myrtus communis var. camboanus (Sennen)
- Myrtus communis var. eugeniae (Sennen)
- Myrtus communis var. rodesii (Sennen & Malag.)
- Myrtus communis var. gallachi (Sennen)
- Myrtus communis var. morawieskiana (Sennen)
- Myrtus communis var. microphylla (Willk.)
- Myrtus communis var. adrianii (Sennen)
- Myrtus communis var. jonssetii (Sennen)
- Myrtus communis f. baetica ((L.) Cout.)
- Myrtus communis var. latifolia (Willk.)
- Myrtus communis var. theodori (Sennen & Malag.)
- Myrtus communis var. gausseni (Sennen)
- Myrtus communis f. tarentinus ((L.) Cout.)
- Myrtus communis var. gibertii (Sennen)
- Myrtus communis var. soleri (Sennen)
- Myrtus communis f. belgica ((L.) Cout.)
- Myrtus communis var. macrocarpa (Sennen)
- Myrtus communis var. bercialis (Sennen)
- Myrtus communis var. melanocarpa (DC.)
- Myrtus communis var. balearicus (Sennen)
- Myrtus communis subsp. lusitanica ((L.) Arcang.)
- Myrtus communis var. baui ((Sennen & Malag.) Sennen)
- Myrtus communis f. lusitanica ((L.) Cout.)
Distribution
- Afghanistan (native)
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Azores (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Canary Is. (native)
- Corse (native)
- Cyprus (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- France (native)
- Greece (native)
- Iran (native)
- Iraq (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Libya (native)
- Madeira (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- California (introduced)
- Cape Provinces (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Louisiana (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Texas (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Sep 27, 2017 by katerinatzoy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 25, 2020 by marreiros maria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 10, 2021 by santi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Pasak Ewa (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 17, 2021 by Paul (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Pasak Ewa (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 16, 2022 by Antonio Mandolfo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 2, 2019 by buran21 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 15, 2018 by Diana Gavino (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 27, 2021 by llinares J (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Oct 30, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 11, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 28, 2020 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 27, 2021 by llinares J (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 15, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 20, 2020 by claire2lune (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 3, 2021 by García Marcos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2019 by david dal Cortivo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 27, 2021 by llinares J (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 16, 2019 by Kim Sun (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2022 by alegria aguila (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 4, 2017 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Sep 13, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Esra Gauthier (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie-France PETIBON (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 31, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 1, 2022 by Stéphane Adamowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 9, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3180085)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:599719-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Myrtus communis L.)