Common Myrtle. Myrtus communis, Myrtle, Eucalyptus, Guava Family: ( Myrtaceae ), Common Myrtle. Also Called: True Myrtle, Roman Myrtle. We wish to thank Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for some of the information on this page. We share images and information with Wikipedia. Myrtus communisis an evergreen shrub or small tree with dense foliage. The 2-inch lanceolate leaves are strongly scented when crushed. Myrtles have been cultivated for centuries and they are thought to be native of the Mediterranean Area. They are in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen in October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (they have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. The plant requires well-drained soil. DO NOT OVERWATER! The fruit has an aromatic flavor and can be eaten fresh when ripe or can be dried and it then can be used as an aromatic food flavouring, especially in the Middle East. It can also be made into a drink. Quick Notes: Height: Up to about 5 - 8 feet tall and 5 - 8 feet wide. Can grow up to 15 feet tall and 15 feet wide as a tree. Flowers: The flowers are 3/4 inch, white, solitary arising from a leaf axils and consists of four white petals and numerous conspicuous anthers. Flowering Time: July to August. Fruit: Ripens in October. Oval 1/2 inch dark blue drupe, edible. Containing several white kidney-shaped seeds. Leaves: Dark green, opposite, lancelate or oval, up to 2 inches long, aromatic. Found: Native of the Mediterranean Area. Hardiness: USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 �C (15 �F) USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 �C (20 �F) USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 �C (25 �F) USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 �C (30 �F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 �C (35 �F) USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 �C (40 �F) Soil pH requirements: 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) 7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline) 8.6 to 9.0 (strongly alkaline) Sun Exposure: Full Sun Elevation: 800 - 4,800 feet. Habitat: Does best in dry, sandy, well-drained/light soils. An ideal xeriscape landscape plant in Arizona. Miscellaneous: Shrub Photos Taken October 11, 2006. Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Near Superior, Arizona.

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