Family: Myrtaceae Genus: Myrtus Common name: Myrtle, murta, murtera. Uses and properties: Aphrodisiac. Aromatic. Edible or food uses. Tinctures. Medicinal. Perfumery. Flowering time: May to July. Life forms: Macrophanerophyte (Macrofaneròfit). Habitats: Holm oak, kermes oak and cork oak woods. Wet, non-saline sites (wadis, ponds, streams, canals, springs and irrigation ditches). Heather marshes, siliceous shoots. Stream banks, watercourses, shady slopes, often associated with forest vegetation. Features: Myrtle is an emblematic shrub of Mediterranean culture, associated with many traditions and customs. Its fruits, the murtones, are edible, while its leaves have a very pleasant aroma and can be used to make colognes. The leaves are glossy and paired, similar to other Mediterranean sclerophyllous species, but easily distinguished by their smell. It blooms in early summer and produces whitish flowers that attract attention at this time of year. Information taken from the website http://herbarivirtual.uib.es/ |