Myrtle

a family of aromatic plants. There are about one hundred species, mostly shrubs. The common myrtle, the myrtle of the ancients, is a handsome evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean Sea. It grows from three to ten feet high. The leaves are aromatic. The flowers are white; the berry black. It was sacred to Venus, and was used largely for decorations in the festivals given in her honor. The myrtle is the symbol of youth and beauty. The berry and leaves were used formerly in medicine. The bark was used also in tanning. It has been introduced as a lawn and garden plant in the warmer parts of the world. It makes an excellent hedge in Florida. In southern California it blooms the year around.