Myrtle

Botanical Name: 
Myrtus communis
Family: 
Myrtle Family (Myrtaceae)
Origin: 
Native to Mediterranean region
At Hearst Castle: 
Myrtle is used extensively as hedging throughout the grounds of the Enchanted Hill. The circular hedge near the south entrance to the Assembly room contains both regular Myrtle and the smaller-leafed Dwarf Myrtle. The two-tone leaves of Variegated Myrtle are seen at the top of the stairs next to the Discobolus bronze on C Terrace.
Comments: 
The Myrtle has long been a symbolic plant in Mediterranean cultures. In ancient Greece it was sacred to Aphrodite and later to the Roman equivalent, Venus. It preceded Laurel as the plant symbolizing victory, whether in war or in athletic games. One can see Myrtle symbolically used in this way today--the golden designs used on U. S. military officers' hats contain sprigs of Myrtle. The plant's berries were used for centuries by the Romans as a pepper-like seasoning. The leaves were used in medicine, and both the leaves and flowers were used to make love potions (being the sacred plant of Venus). Myrtle is also a symbolic plant for the Jews, being one of four plants used during the Sukkoth festival that celebrates the harvest and commemorates the period during which the Jews wandered in the wilderness after the Exodus.
Description: 
Evergreen shrub which can grow to small tree with age. The leaves are glossy, bright green, pointed, and can grow to 2 inches long. Leaves are pleasantly fragrant when brushed or cut. Flowers are 3/4 inch wide, white to pinkish, appearing in summer, followed by 1/2 inch blue-black berries.