Myrtle

Myrtle, common name for the Myrtaceae family of trees and shrubs. Myrtles are native to temperate Asia and tropical America and Australia. They include the clove, eucalyptus, guava, and pimento. Myrtles are valued for their aromatic oils, timber, spices, and fruit. The common or classical myrtle (Myrtus communis) grows in the Mediterranean region. The ancient Greeks associated the glossy evergreen with Aphrodite and awarded Olympic athletes wreaths of myrtle.