myrtle

Any of several evergreen shrubs or trees of the genus Myrtus, especially M. communis, an aromatic shrub native to the Mediterranean region, having white flowers and blue-black berries and widely cultivated as a hedge plant.

Any of several other evergreen shrubs or trees, such as the wax myrtle.

The periwinkle Vinca minor.

The sweet-gale, Myrica Gale.

A plant of the genus Myrtus, primarily M. communis, the classic and favorite common myrtle.

A name of various similar plants of other genera of the myrtle family (Myrtaceæ), and of other families, many unrelated.

A broad-leafed variety of the true myrtle.

A species of the genus Myrtus, especially Myrtus communis. The common myrtle has a shrubby, upright stem, eight or ten feet high. Its branches form a close, full head, thickly covered with ovate or lanceolate evergreen leaves. It has solitary axillary white or rosy flowers, followed by black several-seeded berries. The ancients considered it sacred to Venus. The flowers, leaves, and berries are used variously in perfumery and as a condiment, and the beautifully mottled wood is used in turning.

the sweet gale.

See under Crape.