Myrtis communis
Le myrte commun
Common Myrtle
Additional information
| Plant family | |
|---|---|
| Area | Littoral |
| Flower colour | white |
| Flower size | 2-3 cm |
| Flowering months | May, June, July, August |
| Leaf type | Lanceolate, Elliptic |
| Height | 5 m |
Description
When in flower, it is a spectacular shrub or small tree. It makes a dense, wind-resistant hedge. The leaves when crushed give off a spicy odour. Found along the coast where Myrtis communis grows in abundance, as well as inland near Le Rocher de Roquebrune.
Flowers
The flowers are usually white, sometimes tinged pink, with 4 rounded petals and a mass of protruding white stamens.
Leaves
Elliptic oval leaf, Lanceolate leaf is lance-shaped: long and widest in the middle. Oval to long, wider in the middle, pointed, 3-5 cm long.
Fruits Seeds
Berry: blackish blue.
Edible
Berries: on the islands of Sardinia and Corsica an aromatic liqueur called ‘Mirto’ is made from the berries by macerating them in alcohol.
Medical
Whole plant: an aromatic, astringent herb that is an antiseptic and an effective decongestant, used internally for urinary infections and sinusitis.
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