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]
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]
