Botany - Myrtle

Scientific name Myrtus communis
Appearance Evergreen shrub with dense growth, leathery, shiny, lance-shaped leaves, star-shaped white flowers with numerous stamens, blue-black berries when ripe
Smell Aromatic, fresh, slightly balsamic and camphoraceous
Color Dark green (foliage), white (flowers), bluish black (berries)
Used parts Leaves, flowers, berries (by distillation or infusion)
Origins Mediterranean Basin, Macaronesia
Toxicity level Low (non-toxic at usual doses; essential oil is not recommended for young children and pregnant women)