Species name :

Myrtus communisL.
Published in Sp. Pl. : 471 (1753)

Synonyms :
(basionym or principal syn.)

Myrtus latifolia Raf.

Full list of synonyms : [Euro+Med] [WFO] [IPNI] [POWO] [Catalogue of Life] [Worldplants.de]

Plant Family :

Myrtaceae Juss. (The Myrtle Family)
6 species from the Myrtaceae family are recorded from the Maltese Islands.

English name(s) :

Common Myrtle, Roman Myrtle

Maltese name(s) :

Riħan

Status for Malta :

Indigenous. Present on the Maltese islands before man

Frequency :

Very Common     Common    Frequent     Scarce     Rare    Very rare    Extinct

Growth form :

Germination type [info]: Dicotyledon
Raunkiaer lifeform [info]: Macro-Phanerophyte ( high trees usually over 5 m high )

Legal Protection :

Protected by law: Schedule II of [S.L. 549.123] (Trees protected in selected areas)

Red List (1989) :

Not listed in the Red Data Book of the Maltese Islands

Flowering Time :

May – June

Colour of Flowers:

White

Toxicity:

Not particularly toxic

Name Derivation :

Myrtus: The Greek name for the Myrtle which in Greek mythology this plant was held sacred to Aphrodite. In Christian religion, it has been associated with the Virgin probably due to its fragrance and white flowers. (Greek origin); 2. Further Info: [1].

communis: common indicating that the species was widespread and common when described, at least in the area or region it was known from. (Latin origin)

Planting in rural areas :

Encouraged to be planted in the wild that is in rural areas including ODZ.