Plant · GBIF taxon 3180085
myrtle
Myrtus communisAlso known as Common Myrtle, True Myrtle
Common myrtle is an aromatic evergreen shrub deeply rooted in Mediterranean scrub ecosystems, where its glossy leathery leaves release a clean resinous fragrance when crushed. In late spring and summer, sweet-scented white blossoms burst with prominent starry clusters of stamens, attracting diverse native bees and hoverflies. Autumn brings deep blue-black berries that serve as a crucial seasonal food source for wintering songbirds like thrushes and blackcaps.
EvergreenFragrantAromatic
1 / 7—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunlight
- Water
- Soil nutrients
Predators
- Song Thrush
- Blackcap
- European Rabbit
ThreatsOvergrazing, frequent wildfires, and coastal habitat development
HabitatsMediterranean maquis, garrigue, coastal scrub, and rocky hillsides
Life span50–100 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderMyrtales
- FamilyMyrtaceae
- GenusMyrtus
- SpeciesMyrtus communis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
- Foliage scent: Gently brush the leaves between your fingers to release the classic spicy aroma without damaging the plant.
- Bloom watching: Inspect the dense starburst of stamens in early summer to spot native solitary bees gathering pollen.
Frequent Companion (c) Duarte Frade, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Duarte Frade · cc-by
Frequent Companion (c) anonymous, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Seed Disperser (c) Juan Emilio, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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