Dermastir Myrtle
Dermastir Myrtle
:The Common Myrtle Myrtus communis, is widespread in the Mediterranean region and is also by far the most commonly cultivated. The other species, Saharan Myrtle m. nivellei, is restricted to the Tassili n'Ajjer mountains in southern Algeria and the Tibesti Mountains in Chad, where it occurs in small areas of sparse relict woodland near the centre of the Sahara Desert; it is listed as an endangered species. However, some botanists are not convinced that m. nivellei is sufficiently distinct to be treated as a separate species.
Symbolism and uses
Common Myrtle (Myrtus communis) from Thomé, Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz, 1885
In Greek mythology, myrtle was considered to be sacred to Aphrodite. The tradition of brides wearing a crown of myrtle on their wedding day was common in ancient Greece.
The plants are grown for myrtle oil, used in perfume manufacture and as a condiment, and as ornamental shrubs used in xeriscaping, where they are valued for their tolerance of hot, dry summers. For example, m. communis thrives on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, where the summer temperatures can reach 45 c. The beautifully mottled wood is used in turning.
On the Italian island of Sardinia, a digestive liqueur called mirto is made by macerating myrtle berries in alcohol.