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Myrtus communis

Shrub

HomeShrubMyrtus communis

Scrub, avoiding calcareous soils.

Family: Myrtaceae
Height: 4.5 m / 15 ft
Sun
Light, Medium and Heavy Soil
Dry to Moist

Plant Rating

Edible Uses: 3 of 5
Medicinal Uses: 3 of 5
Other Uses: 4 of 5

Native Habitat

Myrtle, Foxtail Myrtle Myrtus communis native habitat is Scrub, avoiding calcareous soils.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit has an aromatic flavour, it can be eaten fresh when ripe or can be dried and is then used as an aromatic food flavouring, especially in the Middle East. It can also be made into an acid drink. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter. The leaves are used as a flavouring in cooked savoury dishes. The dried fruits and flower buds are used to flavour sauces, syrups etc. An essential oil from the leaves and twigs is used as a condiment, especially when mixed with other spices. In Italy the flower buds are eaten. The flowers have a sweet flavour and are used in salads.

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