Myrtus (commonly called myrtle) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae. It was first described by Swedish botanist Linnaeus in 1753. Myrtle was described much earlier in Leviticus, as part of the feast and observance of Sokkut. It has long been used as a medicinal herb in traditional practices.
Over 600 names have been proposed in the genus, but nearly all have either been moved to other genera or been regarded as synonyms. Two species are currently accepted:
Myrtus communis L. – Common myrtle; native to the Mediterranean region in southern Europe
Myrtus nivellei Batt. & Trab. – Saharan myrtle; native to the Saharan mountains of northern Africa
Description
Myrtus communis, the "common myrtle", is native across the Mediterranean region, Macaronesia, western Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. It is also cultivated.
The plant is an evergreen shrub or small tree, growing to 5 metres (16 ft) tall. The leaf is entire, 3–5 cm long, with a fragrant essential oil.
The star-like flower has five petals and sepals, and numerous stamens. Petals usually are white. The flower is pollinated by insects.
The fruit is a round berry containing several seeds, most commonly blue-black in colour. A variety with yellow-amber berries is also present. The seeds are dispersed by birds that eat the berries.
Myrtus nivellei, the Saharan myrtle, (Tuareg language: tefeltest), is endemic to the mountains of the central Sahara Desert. It is found in a restricted range in the Tassili n'Ajjer Mountains in southern Algeria, and the Tibesti Mountains in northern Chad.
It occurs in small areas of sparse relict woodland at montane elevations above the central Saharan desert plains.
It is a traditional medicinal plant for the Tuareg people.
Common myrtle
Myrtus communis, the "common myrtle", is native across the Mediterranean region, Macaronesia, western Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. It is also cultivated.
