Accession Count: 19
Common Name:
twisted myrtle
Family Name:
Myrtaceae
Botanical Name:
Myrtus communis
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
'Boetica'
Characteristics:
The twisted myrtle is a shrub or small tree with dark green leaves. These leaves are small and aromatic. This shrub has light tan bark and an unusual twisted shape. The twisted myrtle is also a winter evergreen, meaning it keeps its leaves year-round. Its aromatic leaves grow in a whorled arrangement, tightly if in the sun and loosely if in the shade. This shrub or rambling small tree is of the same family as the Eucalyptus trees.
Compound:
Myr com Boe
Geographic Origin:
Mediterranean
Ecozone Origin:
Palearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
M. communis is native to the Mediterranean. When the Rome elites settled they made the M. communis a must in their gardens because they wanted a shrub that was closely associated to their mythology and traditions. Next this plant was reintroduced in the 16th century when Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Carey returned from Spain. In 1562 Lord Burghley wrote to Mr. Windebank who lived in Paris to ask him for a myrtle. The myrtle was not familiar to England environment yet. By 1597 at least six varieties were growing in southern England (2).
Cultivation Notes:
The twisted myrtle is dependable, neat, and easy to grow. It has fragrant foliage and can be trained into a gnarled tree. Twisted myrtles need good drainage to prevent chlorosis, but are resistant to Texas Root Rot. It is moderately drought/heat tolerant but irrigation is required.
Ethnobotany:
The twisted myrtle is used for clipped hedges, formal dividers, or foundation plantings. The form it takes on depends greatly on pruning. Its foliage and flowers and/or berries are sometimes used in floral arrangements. The twisted myrtle has landscape value as an accent plant that is green year-round.
Height:
6 - 10 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
White
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
Citations:
1.
Duffield, Mary Rose., and Warren D. Jones. Plants For Dry Climates - How To Select, Grow And Enjoy. Lane Publishing Company, 1992.
