Common Name: Myrtle

General Information

Myrtus communis is a much-branched, evergreen shrub or small tree that usually grows around 1.5 - 2 metres tall, though it can in time reach 4 - 6 metres[]..
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is cultivated on a commercial basis for its essential oils in N. Africa, and is often grown as an ornamental, culinary and medicinal plant in gardens, where it can be used as a hedge.
Myrtus communis is a widespread and common species that is a significant constituent of the Mediterranean maquis vegetation. It is suspected not to have any significant ongoing threats and any population declines in some areas are likely to be balanced by increases in others, for example, as a component in the vegetation colonising abandoned agricultural fields. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Macaronesia, through the Mediterranean and southwest Asia to Pakistan; northeast Africa - Ethiopia and Eritrea to Yemen

Habitat

Scrub, avoiding calcareous soils[]. A common constituent of Mediterranean maquis vegetation, and pine and oak woodland understorey, also colonising abandoned fields; at elevations up to 1,000 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Myrtus communis is native to the warm temperate regions of southern Europe and western Asia. It does not succeed in the colder parts of the temperate zone, but is moderately cold-hardy - when fully dormant it can tolerate short periods with temperatures down to between -10 and -15°c[], so long as it is sheltered from cold drying winds[], The young growth in spring, however, can be damaged by late frosts. This species does not succeed outdoors in the colder parts of Britain[, ].
Succeeds in any reasonably good soil so long as it is well-drained[]. Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained neutral to alkaline loam in a sunny position[, , ]. Succeeds in dry soils. Prefers a position sheltered from cold drying winds[], though it our experience it does withstand quite considerable maritime exposure[].
A very ornamental plant with strongly aromatic leaves, flowers and fruits.
A moderately fast-growing plant when young but soon slowing with age[].
There are a number of named varieties[]. 'Tarentina' with narrow small leaves is hardier than the type and is especially wind-resistant[, ], 'Microphylla' is a dwarf form and 'Leucocarpa' has white berries[].
Myrtle is often cultivated in the Mediterranean[], where the plant is regarded as a symbol of love and peace[] and is much prized for use in wedding bouquets[]. The foliage is strongly aromatic[].
The plant is cultivated commercially in N. Africa as a source of an essential oil[].
Any pruning is best carried out in the spring[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, ]. The fruit has an aromatic flavour[], it can be eaten fresh when ripe, though it is not generally considered to be very tasteful[]. It is more commonly used either fresh or dried as an aromatic food flavouring, especially in the Middle East[, , ]. It can also be made into an acid drink[, ]. The subglobose, dark fruit is about 8mm in diameter[].

The fresh or dried leaves are used as a flavouring in cooked savoury dishes[]. They are sometimes used as a substitute for bay leaves (Laurus nobilis)[].

The fresh flowers and flower buds have a sweet flavour and are added to salads[, , ].

The dried fruits and flower buds are used to flavour sauces, syrups etc[, ].

An essential oil from the leaves and twigs is used as a condiment, especially when mixed with other spices[].
Essential oils extracted from the young leaves and mature fruits are used in the production of local liquors known as mirto in Corsica and Sardinia[].

The wood and the leaves are added to charcoal as a flavouring for grilled foods[].

Medicinal

The leaves are aromatic, balsamic, haemostatic and tonic[, ]. Recent research has revealed a substance in the plant that has an antibiotic action[]. The active ingredients in myrtle are rapidly absorbed and give a violet-like scent to the urine within 15 minutes[]. The leaves are used in the treatment of cardiac diseases, hypertension, diabetes, digestive diseases and allergy[]. The plant is taken internally in the treatment of urinary infections, digestive problems, vaginal discharge, bronchial congestion, sinusitis and dry coughs[, ]. In India it is considered to be useful in the treatment of cerebral affections, especially epilepsy[].
Externally, the plant is used in the treatment of acne (the essential oil is normally used here), wounds, gum infections and haemorrhoids[]. The leaves are picked as required and used fresh or dried[].

An essential oil obtained from the plant is antiseptic[]. It contains the substance myrtol - this is used as a remedy for gingivitis[]. The oil is used as a local application in the treatment of rheumatism[].

The fruit is carminative[]. It is used in the treatment of dysentery, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, internal ulceration and rheumatism[].

The leaves have shown antibacterial antioxidant, antigenotoxic and hypoglycemic activities[]

The leaves contain Myrtol, an active antiseptic and are considered to be aerve sedative and stimulant to the mucous membranes. They are used in homoeopathy to treat chest pains, as found often in consumptives, incipient phthisis, bronchitis, cystitis and pyelitis[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is very tolerant of regular clipping[] and can be grown as a hedge in the milder parts of Britain[, ].
This species has a high ecological tolerance as it produces a large number of seed with a high germination rate' making it an effective successional species in abandoned fields, where the population may be increasing[]. This implies the plant can be used in the early stages of converting open land to a woodland garden,

Other Uses

An essential oil from the bark, leaves and flowers is used in perfumery, soaps and skin-care products[, , ]. It has a warm, woody odour[]. An average yield of 10g of oil is obtained from 100 kilos of leaves[].

A perfumed water, known as 'eau d'ange', is obtained from the flowers[].

The wood is very fine grained, hard and elastic. It is used for making walking sticks, tool handles, furniture etc[, ].
A high quality charcoal is made from the wood[].

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow it in late winter in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Pot up in the autumn and overwinter in a cold frame. Plant out in late spring. High percentage[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 7 - 12cm with a heel, late autumn in a shaded and frost free frame. Plant out in late spring or early autumn. High percentage[].
Layering.