Myrtus communis
| Myrtus communis | |
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| Species: | M. communis
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| Myrtus communis | |
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Myrtus communis, the common 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.[2]
It is one of the Four Species used by Jews in their religious rituals on the festival of Sukkot.
Description
The plant is an evergreen shrub or small tree, growing to 5 metres (16 ft) tall.[3] The leaves are 2–5 centimetres (0.79–1.97 in) long, with a fragrant essential oil.[3]
The flowers are white or tinged with pink, with five petals and many stamens that protrude from the flower.[3] The fruit is a berry, blue-black when ripe.[3]
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The plant -
The plant, closeup -
Berries on the plant -
Berries macerated in alcohol to make Mirto liqueur
References
- ^ The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species, retrieved 13 August 2016
- ^ USDA GRIN Taxonomy, retrieved 13 August 2016
- ^ a b c d Cretan Flora: An illustrated guide to the flora of Crete, retrieved 13 August 2016
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