Myrtus communis

Myrtus communis subsp. var.
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Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture

Myrtus communis, Linn. The classic Myrtle. Fig. 2427. A handsome evergreen shrub, 3-10 ft. or more (sometimes a small tree) high, both fls. and lvs. strongly scented: lvs. small in the variety usually cult., ovate or lanceolate, entire, smooth and shining, acute, coriaceous: peduncles solitary, 1-fld., length of lvs. or shorter, bearing 2 linear bractlets below the white and reddish pretty fls.: berry blue-black. Azores to Beluchistan; well known in the Medit. region. G.C. III. 45:18.— Several varieties are cult., which differ chiefly in the shape and size of the lvs. and in stature; there is also a variegated form. Makes a good hedge in S. Fla. Ever blooming in S. Calif. It blooms in 2-3 years from cuttings in England. Following are some of the important named forms: Var. melanocarpa, DC. Fr. black. Var. leucocarpa, DC. Fr. white. Var. latifolia, Hort. Lvs. very broad. G. W. 6, p. 595. Var. microphylla, Hort. Lvs. small, dark green, linear-lanceolate and long-pointed. Var. mucronata, Linn. Lvs. linear-lanceolate, acuminate. Var. lusitanica, Linn. Lvs. lanceolate-ovate, acute. Var. italica, Mill. Shoots or branches nearly or quite erect, the lvs. rather small, ovate-lanceolate, sharp-pointed. Var. boetica, Mill. Branches short, lvs. crowded and thickish rather large, broadly ovate- lanceolate. Var. belgica, Mill. Lvs. broad-lanceolate, long-sharp-pointed. Var. angustifolia, Hort. Lvs. medium size, lanceolate. Var. romana, Mill. Lvs. broad- ovate, large, sharp-pointed, light green, often 3-4 at a node. Var. tarentina, Mill. Shoots short, lvs. ranged in 4 rows, short, ovate, sharp-pointed. Of some of the above, there are forms with variegated and white-margined lvs. and double forms. The different manifestations of Myrtus communis appear not to have been given adequate trial. It is not unlikely that the summers are too hot for them even where the winters are not too frosty; but there must be localities where they can be grown and treatments under protection of buildings or walls that would cause them to thrive. In ancient times, wreaths of myrtle were worn by magistrates and by victors. The plant yields perfumery, and the green and dried frs. are sometimes used as condiments. The wood is very hard and of interesting texture and grain. The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.

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References

• Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture, by L. H. Bailey, MacMillan Co., 1963

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