Myrtle is one of the gardener's most favorite indoor plants. This is not surprising, because the myrtle tree is incredibly beautiful and useful. In addition, it has a rich history of origin and very beautiful symbolism. There are many legends and beliefs associated with this deciduous beauty.
Myrtle is a plant from the genus of evergreen shrubs and trees. It belongs to the myrtle family and has its origins in Ancient Greece. For many centuries, this tree has been considered a symbol of beauty and youth, and it also symbolizes happiness and well-being in the family. The myrtle plant has been developing as a decorative flower for 400 years. In indoor conditions, the flower can reach 1 m in height, in natural conditions it grows upward by 3-4 m.
Leaves of a woody shrub
The woody shrub has straight stems that branch quite densely. The leaves of this beauty are dark green, dense, leathery. The shape of the myrtle leaf is oblong, slightly tapering towards the edge. The leaves grow very abundantly on the stems and are held on small petioles. The length of one leaf reaches from 2 to 5 cm. The leaves can have different shapes depending on the type of plant, for example, the hequen myrtle has wrinkled edges on the foliage.
Myrtle leaves are shiny and have a pleasant smell. The thing is that the leaves contain small glands that can be seen close up in good lighting. It is thanks to these glands that the plant leaf releases essential oils and aromatic substances. Myrtle essential oil helps relieve fatigue, has a calming effect and treats insomnia. However, you should be careful with the myrtle scent; too much of it can cause nausea and dizziness.
Flowering indoor plant
Myrtle flowers grow singly in the axils of the leaves, or the blooms are collected in whole clusters. Flowering is mostly white, with occasional pink flowers. The flowers themselves are small, very fragrant and fragrant. The flowering of indoor myrtle is pollinated by a brush. The tree blooms in early summer and bears fruit in the fall. The fruits of this plant contain spice, they are edible and juicy, dark blue or deep red in appearance.
Popular types of myrtle
Today there are about one hundred different species of myrtle. This fragrant foliage beauty is represented by a wealth of species around the world, but the most common is the common myrtle or, as it is also called, communis. And this is not surprising, because flower growers consider the common myrtle plant to be the most unpretentious flower of the myrtle family. The characteristic features of this tree are five-petal flowers with golden stamens in the center, as well as a highly branched trunk, quite short.
Species such as small-leaved myrtle, lush myrtle, Ralph's myrtle, and hequen myrtle are very popular. Also included in the description of the myrtle plant is a species such as Tarentina Granada, a dwarf flower that gives its owners beautiful, lush flowering. All these species have differences in the shape of the leaves and branches, as well as in the color of the fruits, but they are all incredibly beautiful and unique.
Medicinal and beneficial qualities of the myrtle plant
It is not in vain that the characterization of myrtle has such an interesting point: the word “myrtle” is translated from Greek as “balm”.
One could go on and on about the benefits of myrtle and how it is valued in medicine. This southern plant has a huge storehouse of medicinal properties. Today, everyone who cares about their health is interested in the topic - the myrtle plant: its properties and uses, because this small indoor dweller is very rich in useful qualities.
The flower is able to purify the air in the apartment, protect the inhabitants of the house from bacteria and annoying viruses, for example, from ARVI, from tuberculosis and diphtheria bacilli. The antibacterial properties of myrtle plants are widely known, as well as the fact that the flower promotes anti-inflammatory processes in the body.
Various tinctures are made from the tree, which help with intestinal diseases, help fight cancer, help cope with heart disease, and have healing effects for sinusitis, diabetes, liver and kidney diseases. Interestingly, myrtle is also used for various allergic symptoms.
The essential oil, which is contained in the leaves, bark and flowers of the tree, perfectly tones and soothes. This oil is widely used for cosmetic purposes, because it treats the skin from acne, gives it freshness, and strengthens the hair. Myrtle oil also invigorates and improves mood. And the beneficial properties of the myrtle plant do not end there. This evergreen flower softens the cough of a heavy smoker and improves immunity.
Proper care of myrtle at home
Many amateur gardeners are wondering how to care for myrtle so that it grows healthy and strong. Any indoor flower needs tender and attentive care, because it needs to feel cared for. If caring for the myrtle plant at home was complete, then this indoor beauty will certainly please the gardener with its lush growth. To do this, you need to follow a few simple tips.
Place and lighting for the flower
Myrtle loves sunlight, but the sun's rays should be in moderation, especially on hot summer days. You should not keep a flowerpot with a myrtle tree in the heat. It is best to place the flower in a well-lit area, or on a windowsill. It will be great if the tree is on the western or eastern side. In summer, caring for a myrtle plant requires less effort; you just need to take it out into the fresh air, for example, onto a balcony. In winter, you need to provide the flower with good lighting.
Air temperature and humidity
Favorable atmosphere for the myrtle flower: how to care for it, what temperature to maintain, how to refresh it and not dry it out? It's all quite simple. The myrtle tree grows well at moderate air temperatures; in winter it will feel good at temperatures up to eight degrees below zero. If you keep myrtle cool in winter, then in summer this beauty will bloom thickly and profusely. In the summer season, the flower should simply be kept in the fresh air, but protected from the sultry heat.
This evergreen tree requires high air humidity and copes very poorly with dry indoor air. The plant needs constant spraying in the summer, as well as in the spring and warm autumn, when it grows intensively and strengthens. When cold weather sets in, you don’t have to spray it.
Soil, fertilizer, and watering
The soil in the flowerpot with the myrtle plant should remain fairly moist. It is recommended that the flowerpot contain sand, humus, peat soil and turf soil in equal quantities. You can also make soil from clay, humus, peat and turf soil in equal quantities and add sand. An indoor tree should be watered regularly, but in moderation; do not overfill the flowerpot. Warm water is used for irrigation.
How much fertilizer does the myrtle houseplant require: cultivation and care during feeding, are there any special features? The fact is that feeding depends on what result the grower expects. If you need to achieve good flowering, you can, for example, use fertilizer with phosphorus, and fertilizing with nitrogen is suitable for growing a small ornamental tree. Whatever the gardener’s choice, the main thing is not to forget to feed the myrtle flower once a week.
Replanting woody shrubs
Woody shrubs should be replanted as needed, and this should be done carefully and carefully.
During this important procedure, it is necessary to ensure that the trunk does not sink into the ground along with the roots; it is recommended to leave it on the surface of the flowerpot. While the deciduous beauty is young, you can replant it once a year, but try not to overdo it, because very large flowerpots will not do the tree any good. Also, it is necessary to remember that the flower is replanted in the spring before it begins to bloom.
Trimming and pinching
Myrtle needs pruning in order to achieve a beautiful shape. This foliage flower will be pleasing to the eye in any case, but if you give it the desired look with trimming, it will look unique. If you trim the top of the flower, it will decorate the interior of the room in the form of a bush, but if you trim the side parts, the myrtle will stretch upward like a slender tree. Here it is recommended to remember the following: a woody plant is pruned when the trunk is already strong, and this procedure must be carried out in the spring.
You can pinch the deciduous beauty as needed in order to increase the density of the crowns. The myrtle will become fuller and healthier after pinching, but it is not recommended to do this too often, as the tree may lose the density of flowering. Experienced flower growers know that procedures of this kind should be carried out in moderation, taking into account all the subtleties of the issue of myrtle vulgaris: care at home, because each plant loves an individual approach.
Myrtle tree propagation
In nature, there are two ways to propagate myrtle: from seeds and using cuttings. Both methods require quite a lot of attention and care. The grower propagates by cuttings twice a year; to do this, it is necessary to remove them from the myrtle and plant them for rooting in peat with sand. The cuttings are covered with a bag to retain moisture, and after a month, when the roots grow, they can be planted in a small flowerpot. This myrtle blooms already in the third year of its growth.
For seeds, it is necessary to prepare the soil from peat and sand, distribute them evenly on the surface, sprinkle a thin layer of earth on top and cover with film. It is recommended to place this soil in a well-lit place and water it regularly. After about 2 weeks, when the seedlings have two leaves, they can be transplanted into small flowerpots. This myrtle will begin to bloom in the fifth year of life.
What threatens myrtle?
Is myrtle healthy: diseases and treatment, what should you be wary of and how to properly protect a woody plant? Flower growers definitely need to know what myrtle diseases are in order to prevent their occurrence. The most common scourge is aphids, very unpleasant spider mites, and scale insects. These, as well as similar myrtle pests, can manifest themselves if the flower is not provided with good lighting and proper watering is not observed. Treatment is carried out with insecticides; it is also recommended to spray the beautiful myrtle with water, paying special attention to the underside of the foliage.
Every gardener who can boast of a gorgeous myrtle plant in his collection is incredibly proud of it, because this flower carries many useful nuances. We can talk forever about the symbolism, history and beauty of this leafy favorite, but it’s better to just enjoy the sight of it in your home! Lots of useful information in the article:
Myrtle is an evergreen plant known to mankind for many millennia. He was given special significance back in ancient times and was considered a companion of the gods. The myrtle tree is a valuable source of essential oil. The name of this plant in other languages is:
- German– Braut-Myrte, Gemeine Myrte, Korsischer Pfeffer;
- English– myrtle, Greek myrtle;
- French– myrte, vrai myrte.
Appearance
Myrtle is a low shrub (the maximum height of some subspecies is 5 meters). The leaves are dark green, round, pointed at the end. The inflorescences are white, round and fluffy. The fruits are blue-black berries with a diameter of about 1 cm.
Kinds
There are two types of myrtle tree:
- ordinary - distinguished by small foliage and beige or slightly reddish inflorescences;
- Saharan - is an endangered species, grows in the highlands of Southern Algeria and the Republic of Chad.
Where does it grow?
The Mediterranean region is considered to be the homeland of the common myrtle. Today it is especially common in North Africa and the Middle East, as well as in Europe. In Russia, a small number of myrtle trees grow in the Crimea.
Blank
The leaves of the myrtle tree at the age of 3 or 4 years are best suited for making spices. The collection takes place from mid to late autumn. The collected leaves are dried in a dry, well-ventilated area. When the leaves are dry, place them in canvas bags and store them in a cool, dark place.
Characteristics
- dark green color;
- bitter-spicy taste;
- rich herbal, slightly bitter aroma.
Chemical composition
- essential oil
- camphor
- aldehydes
- protein substances
- tannins
- resins
- polyphenols
- flavonoids
- saponins
- myrtiline
- pinene
- limonene
- cineole
- linalool
- terpineol
- myrtenol
Rich in essential oils, myrtle helps get rid of headaches and relieves hangovers.
Beneficial features
- is a natural antiseptic;
- tones;
- has a diuretic effect;
- has antifungal properties;
- relieves pain;
- helps normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- strengthens the immune system;
- is a good expectorant;
- has an astringent effect;
- has a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
Myrtle is a powerful natural antibiotic
Harm
- It is believed that if you place a pot of myrtle tree in your bedroom, you will experience a severe headache in the morning.
- Taking myrtle-based infusions and decoctions before bedtime, especially in large quantities, can lead to sleep disturbances.
Contraindications
- pregnancy;
- lactation period;
- individual intolerance;
- elderly age.
Oil
Essential oil is obtained from young shoots and foliage of the myrtle tree using steam distillation. Myrtle oil has a pleasant, complex aroma, which is why it is widely used in the production of cosmetics and perfumes. It also has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect and is used to treat diseases of the respiratory and genitourinary systems. In addition, regular use of myrtle essential oil significantly improves the condition of the skin and hair structure.
Application
In cooking
- in Italy, a liqueur called “myrto” is made from the fruits of the myrtle tree;
- in France they make jam from world berries;
- dried myrtle fruits are used in the production of certain types of sausages;
- myrtle leaves are added to pickles and marinades;
- meat and fish cooked on the grill using the bark and branches of the myrtle tree acquire a unique aroma;
- Myrtle adds bitterness to dishes, so it should be added to food in very small quantities.
Stewed fish
Cut the carcass of any lean fish into pieces of the desired size. Cut 2 carrots into slices, 1 onion into large rings. Place the fish and vegetables in a thick-walled pan or cauldron, add a few myrtle leaves, salt and pepper to taste. Pour half a glass of water and simmer until done.
Prepare 1 kg of chicken fillet, cut into small cubes. Chop an onion, 2 carrots, a small zucchini, cauliflower, tomato and bell pepper. Take a deep saucepan or roasting pan and lay out the food in layers; onion, poultry, carrot, zucchini, pepper, tomato, cabbage. Place one myrtle leaf on each layer. Add a little water and simmer until done.
In medicine
Medicines prepared from myrtle are used for the treatment and prevention of the following diseases:
- herpetic infection;
- inflammation of the female reproductive system;
- pyelonephritis;
- cystitis;
- prostatitis;
- gastrointestinal diseases;
- falling ill with ENT organs;
- flu;
- asthma;
- bronchitis.
Used for allergies to antibiotics in the treatment and prevention of influenza, tuberculosis and herpes virus
Folk recipes
- For a cold, You can strengthen your immune system and cope with the disease faster if you chew a few leaves of the myrtle tree every time after eating.
- For purulent inflammation of the skin, Lotions with a decoction of myrtle will help. Pour 10 grams of dried leaves with a liter of cold water and boil for 10 minutes. Soak a piece of sterile bandage in the broth and apply to the affected area for several minutes. The procedure should be repeated 2 or times a day.
- For bronchitis, prepare a mixture of medicinal herbs: 10 grams of primrose roots, 15 grams of lemon balm, 20 grams of myrtle, 20 grams of eucalyptus. Pour 1 tbsp. mixture with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for 20 minutes. Take one glass 3 times a day.
- For kidney infection, An infusion of dried myrtle leaves should be prepared. To do this, pour 10 grams of leaves with a liter of hot water and leave for 10-15 minutes. Drink one glass 2 times a day.
In cosmetology
In cosmetology, essential oil of the myrtle tree is mainly used. It is characterized by the following beneficial properties:
- nourishes and moisturizes the skin;
- evens out skin color and gives it a healthy appearance;
- restores local skin immunity;
- relieves inflammation;
- is a good remedy for pimples and acne;
- strengthens hair follicles;
- improves hair structure.
Growing
The myrtle tree can also be a houseplant. Keeping it at home is not at all difficult, but you need to consider several important points:
- Fresh air is very important for the myrtle tree, so the most suitable place for it is on the windowsill (it is best to choose the western or eastern side), and in the summer - on an open balcony or in a personal plot.
- The plant must be in direct sunlight for several hours a day.
- Myrtle needs plenty of sunlight during the winter months.
- You need to move the pot with the myrtle tree to a new place gradually, moving it 10-20 cm every day.
- The most optimal temperature for myrtle is room temperature. Coolness is preferable to him than heat. In winter, if possible, you should place the plant in a cold place where the temperature does not exceed +8 degrees. Otherwise, the myrtle may shed its leaves.
- At any time of the year, the soil in the pot should be constantly moist. Irrigation requires warm, soft water.
- During the summer months the plant should be misted every day, but in winter no misting is required.
- In spring, summer and autumn, the myrtle tree needs to be fed weekly with the selected fertilizer.
- The myrtle tree can be given the desired shape by cutting branches from different sides. If you want your myrtle to grow into a low bush, trim it from the top, and if you prefer a miniature tree, then you need to trim the side branches.
Reproduction
Myrtle can be propagated by cuttings and seeds. Propagation by cuttings is preferable, as in this case the plant will bloom faster. The most favorable time for cuttings is winter and summer (the procedure should not be repeated more than twice a year). Cuttings are taken from below or from the middle of the trunk. The maximum length of the cutting is 8 cm. The leaves are cut or shortened. Then the cuttings are rooted in a shallow container filled with sand and moss and covered with a special cap. Periodically, young plants are watered and ventilated. The temperature in the room is maintained no higher than +20 degrees. After a month, the cuttings are planted in separate small pots.
The myrtle flower traces its history back to ancient times; it is revered by many peoples and cultures: for example, according to tradition, English and Swedish princesses weave myrtle branches into their wedding hairstyles.
The scientific name of myrtle is myrtus communis.
Fragrant myrtle leaves green in color, oval in shape, about 2 centimeters long and wide, they shine beautifully, are leathery and tough. There are different leaf shapes: variegata and latifolia - in the first case the leaves are variegated, and in the second they are almost round.
Upon careful examination of the leaf, you can see small veins filled with essential oil, which, when rubbed with your fingers, emit a delightful aroma.
Myrtle is a plant with small flowers that have five petals and gold-colored stamens, spread a magnificent aroma and are located on fairly long stalks.
Fruits usually appear in autumn: myrtle berries Round shapes are dark blue in color. Some species produce yellowish or white berries. The fruits contain yellowish myrtle seeds irregular shapes that can be used to grow a new plant.
You can also propagate the myrtle tree using cuttings. Semi-lignified myrtle cuttings from 6 centimeters long can be perfectly rooted in a greenhouse. It is better to use young cuttings cut from the tops.
In nature, the plant can be found in the subtropics, where it grows in the form of a tree or shrub; wild species can grow from 3 to 5 meters. Garden varieties differ from each other in leaves and berry color, but they can only grow in areas with a mild climate.
Kinds
Common myrtle is mainly grown, but several varieties are common, the most popular of which are the following:
- Pumila– a medium-sized shrub, round in shape, growing no higher than 2 meters;
- Variegata- a species with variegated leaves with a white edge;
- Microphylla– a shrub no larger than 60 centimeters in size, the leaves of which are of normal size;
- Boetica– a variety of myrtle with large leaves measuring 2–3 centimeters;
- GlanleamGold– variegated variety with golden edging;
- Latifolia- a species with round leaves.
You can learn more about the types of myrtle.
See below: myrtle photo
Myrtle Boetica
Myrtle Glanleam Gold
Myrtle Latifolia
Myrtle Variegata
Myrtle Microphylla
Homeland of the plant
The cradle of the myrtle tree is the Mediterranean. It is this area that is its homeland, which gave the world such a stunning plant. Residents of Greece, Spain, Italy, France, Egypt and some other countries have the opportunity to admire wild varieties of the plant.
There are many legends associated with myrtle that have spread in these countries. Myrtle branches are mentioned in the myths of Ancient Greece, as well as in the Bible.
Care
Indoor myrtle is very loves bright light, it can tolerate a small amount of direct sunlight without damaging the leaves in any way. It is preferable to place it near western or eastern windows.
If you decide to grow the plant on a south-facing window, then shading from the bright midday sun is necessary. It can also be placed on the north side, but flowering will be less abundant.
In spring and summer, the flower should be kept at a temperature within 18 - 25 degrees, but in winter it is necessary to reduce it to 5 - 8 degrees, which portends some difficulties in winter maintenance, because in apartments with central heating there are no such low temperatures. If you do not provide the myrtle with a cool winter, it may shed its leaves and not bloom in the summer.
The bush requires quite frequent and abundant watering. It is necessary to water it as the top layer of soil dries out. The flower itself can signal you about a lack of water: young shoots will begin to wither.
In winter, the plant should not be flooded, since during this period it is dangerous for water to stagnate, which can lead to the development of unpleasant diseases. Water for irrigation must be settled, and it must be remembered that cold and hard water cannot be used.
Spraying is practically mandatory procedure, because usually the air in our apartments is too dry. It is better to spray every day. A warm shower is very beneficial for the plant, saturating each leaf with moisture and washing away dust.
The crown of myrtle is formed by pruning. Thus, it can be given absolutely any shape, which makes it an ideal plant for use in bonsai techniques. Myrtle easily tolerates pruning; it has a beneficial effect on its growth.
The soil in which the flower should be planted should consist of turf and leaf soil and sand. 
The soil should be slightly acidic or neutral. You can also purchase ready-made substrate in the store. Before planting, form a good drainage layer to avoid stagnant water.
During the growth period, fertilizing with universal fertilizers is necessary once every two weeks, which can be easily purchased at a specialized store.
Young plants should be replanted every year into pots with a diameter 2 centimeters larger than the previous one; adult plants are replanted every few years, while replacing the top layer of soil.
If the plant is not provided with proper care, various problems may appear.
In conclusion, we can say that it is perfectly possible grow myrtle at home, in addition to beauty and aroma, it also has a large number of medicinal properties. Home myrtle is often placed in children's rooms so that the plant has a beneficial effect on the child. If you decide to purchase this magnificent plant, you will never regret your decision.
Useful video
Watch the video: Common myrtle - care and cultivation at home
Common myrtle(Myrtus communis) is an evergreen shrub from the Myrtle family, common in Mediterranean countries and widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in other warm climates, as well as in rooms and greenhouses.
Relatively small (about 5 cm) lanceolate leathery leaves of myrtle are located opposite on its branches. And in the axils of the leaves there are small white or pink, very delicate five-petal flowers with many stamens.
They have a surprisingly pleasant smell.
But myrtle leaves smell no less pleasant. If you look at its leaf in the light, it seems as if it is pricked in many places with a needle - this reveals numerous essential oil glands, thanks to which the plant emits an amazing aroma.
Many legends, myths and beliefs are associated with myrtle. Even the queen of flowers, the rose, can envy the amazingly rich history of this plant.
The word “myrtle” itself is of Greek origin; the ancient Hellenes admired this plant. According to legend, Venus was crowned with a wreath of myrtle during a famous dispute, thanks to which Paris gave her his apple. Since then, myrtle has become Venus’s favorite flower, and she even often called herself Myrtea. Many myrtle bushes were planted around her temples, and during the annual festivals in honor of the goddess, taking place in April, all participants in the action, as well as all the young boys and girls present, were crowned with myrtle wreaths. The bride and groom were also decorated with myrtle wreaths on their wedding day.
Myrtle played a very important role in celebrations and in honor of Ceres, Proserpina and Bacchus. And in the festivities that took place on the island of Crete and Corinth in honor of the moon goddess - Gelotia - the participants solemnly carried one huge myrtle wreath - about 7 fathoms in diameter.
Myrtle also played a significant role in the social life of the ancient Greeks. Thus, the highest ranks of Athens wore myrtle wreaths as a sign of power, and petitioners appeared with myrtle wreaths in their hands, wanting to arouse sympathy. Myrtle was used to decorate the winners at the Isthmian Games and statues of fallen heroes were decorated with myrtle wreaths to show that they were remembered and loved. Myrtle was used to decorate houses during weddings and other celebrations; singers wrapped their lyres around their lyres.
But especially original was the custom of putting a myrtle wreath on someone who wanted to recite the poems of Aeschylus or Simonides. So the ancient Greeks wanted to express special respect for these poets.
From the ancient Greeks the cult of myrtle passed to the Romans. Erato, the muse of erotic poetry, wore a myrtle wreath. And the same wreath was crowned with the head of the god of marriage, Hymen, who was always depicted as a charming young man with a lit torch in his hand.
Myrtle is also mentioned in the Bible. After the Flood, Noah allegedly sent a dove with a myrtle branch from Mount Ararat, where his ark survived the storm, so that all living things would be reborn on earth. Therefore, myrtle served as a symbol of hope. The branches of this plant were used to decorate temples during festivals, as bouquets and wreaths presented on special occasions. The ancient Jews, as well as the Greeks, had a custom of decorating the bride and groom with myrtle.
According to ancient Arab beliefs, myrtle decorated the gardens of Eden, and when the first people were expelled from paradise, Adam took a sprig of myrtle with him so that it would remind people of the gardens of bliss.
Orest Kiprensky, "Gypsy with a myrtle branch in her hand" 1819.
Myrtle was one of the symbols and indispensable attributes of Christian holidays. The frescoes of the Ipatiev Monastery depict a scene when Christ presents a myrtle bouquet to the Mother of God.
From the ancient Hellenes, the cult of myrtle and the custom of using it during wedding celebrations passed on to their descendants, and from them to other inhabitants of the new Europe. There is a legend that the first German bride to wear a myrtle wreath for her wedding was the daughter of the famous medieval millionaire Jacob Fugger. And this event happened in 1583.
Johann Friedrich Overbeck, "Germany and Italy". Shulamith is depicted as a dark-haired Italian woman with laurel leaves woven into her hair. Maria embodies the Nordic "Gretchen" type with braids and a myrtle wreath in her blonde hair.
In France, myrtle was also an indispensable attribute of wedding ceremonies. Only they did not always decorate the bride’s head with it, but often simply carried this plant in a pot during the procession heading to sign the marriage contract to the mayor or headman. You probably immediately remembered the film “Straw Hat,” where the myrtle tree “participated” in a similar ceremony.
At the English court, myrtle wreaths and bouquets are required for royal weddings. This custom was introduced by Queen Victoria (1819-1901), who personally planted a tiny sprig of myrtle in her gardens, taken from the wedding bouquet of her daughter, who was marrying the German Emperor. The shoot took root, grew into a tree, and later Victoria always put a twig plucked from it into the wedding bouquet of her next daughter or granddaughter. Until now, every bride of the English royal house always has a myrtle branch from this tree in her bouquet.
Until recently, the Baltic peoples also had a custom of decorating the bride with a myrtle wreath, and not even one, but two. A large wreath was worn over the veil, and a small one was worn under it, serving as a symbol of purity and innocence. And if a woman got married a second time, she no longer had the right to wear this small wreath.
But myrtle was used not only as decoration in various rituals. This plant has long been valued as a medicinal plant. Even in ancient Rome, women washed their faces with water infused with myrtle flowers, believing that it gave beauty and freshness to the skin. Noble ladies of Greece and Italy simply could not do without myrtle water, which was called “eau d’ange” - angel water. It should be noted that not only women, but also men took baths with myrtle water.
Young, unopened myrtle buds were used as a stomach tonic. And the wine infusion of the fruits of this shrub was considered an elixir that restores health and brings vigor. It was given to wounded soldiers to drink.
It was believed that a branch of myrtle, taken with you on the road, gives the traveler vigor and strengthens his strength.
It should be noted that the medicinal properties of common myrtle have been confirmed and explained in modern studies conducted in different years, including in our country. In 1948, an employee of the Nikitsky Botanical Garden M.N. Artemyev was able to establish that an aqueous extract from myrtle leaves has an excellent antimicrobial effect. And researcher A.P. Degtyareva came to the conclusion that this effect is due to non-volatile crystalline substances of phenolic nature. The antibacterial activity of these substances is 500 times higher than the activity of myrtle essential oil itself - they suppress the development of gram-positive non-spore bacteria, for example, various strains of staphylococci, tuberculosis, anthrax, diphtheria bacilli, etc. What is especially valuable is that these substances suppress the action of some microorganisms that are resistant to antibiotics such as penicillin, streptomycin, and aureoitzin.
A.P. Degtyareva and her employees developed the drug “Myrtle Tincture”, which has excellent tonic, stimulating, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is used in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, nephritis, chronic pneumonia and bronchitis, tonsillitis and tonsillitis.
But the volatile secretions of myrtle vulgaris, essential oils, also exhibit antimicrobial activity. The results of experiments by Novosibirsk scientists who tested the effectiveness of myrtle as a houseplant in kindergartens and hospitals are very interesting. Thus, in two kindergartens, 7 specimens of common myrtle at the age of 7 years with a total leaf area of about 1.3 m2 were placed in playrooms (with a total area of 216 and 100 m2). And after just a week, the number of bacteria (including such genera of conditionally pathogenic and pathogenic microorganisms as Sarcina, Micrococcus, Basillus, Staphyllococcus) in the air decreased by 40-50% and remained at low levels while the plants were indoors.
Similar positive results were obtained in hospitals. So myrtle can be recommended for rooms where there is a high concentration of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microflora - in school locker rooms, corridors, playrooms. It’s a good idea to keep this plant at home, on the window. But not in the bedroom, as the strong smell of myrtle can cause headaches.
Caring for myrtle is not very difficult. This plant prefers a bright, sunny place and fresh air. True, myrtle does not like the proximity of other plants.
In summer, myrtle should be watered abundantly, preferably with soft water, but so that the moisture does not stagnate in the pan. In addition, myrtle loves water showers. In winter, you need to water the plant much less often, just so that the earthen lump does not dry out. Only a well-developed plant needs feeding - from spring to autumn, it should be given small portions of fertilizer every two weeks.
Myrtle can be propagated in spring and summer using apical cuttings.
Cuttings for myrtle, especially young ones, are generally very useful, since after this the plant begins to bush better and can be given the desired shape. And lastly: if myrtle feels great most of the year in a warm room, then in the winter months it is better to provide it with coolness. And then your attention and care for the plant will pay off not only with the wonderful appearance of the green bush, but also with its beneficial effect on your health and the health of all members of your family.
Myrtle and Myrtle
Myrtle and Myrtle m.f. 1. Southern evergreen woody plant with white fluffy flowers and dark green leaves containing essential oil. 2. outdated A wreath of flowers and leaves of such a tree or its branch as a symbol of silence, peace and pleasure
Explanatory Dictionary by Efremova. T. F. Efremova. 2000.
See what “Myrtle and Myrtle” are in other dictionaries:
Common (Myrtus commu ... Wikipedia
Myrtle Common myrtle Scientific classification Kingdom: Plants Division ... Wikipedia
Greek myrtos, probably from myron, liquid incense. Shrub with evergreen leaves, symbol of love. Explanation of 25,000 foreign words that have come into use in the Russian language, with the meaning of their roots. Mikhelson A.D., 1865. MYRTLE bush. and tree... ...
Evergreen shrubs and trees with fragrant flowers. Myrtle branch is a sign of love. A complete dictionary of foreign words that have come into use in the Russian language. Popov M., 1907. MYRTLE, MYRT (Greek). Shrub with evergreen leaves. The ancients had... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language
Common myrtle ... Wikipedia
myrtle- a, m. myrte m. , gr. myrtos. Southern evergreen woody plant from the family. Myrtleaceae, with white fragrant flowers and dark green leaves containing essential oil. BAS 1. || obsolete, poet A wreath made from the leaves of this tree or its branch like... ... Historical Dictionary of Gallicisms of the Russian Language
Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary
MYRTLE, myrtle, male.,. and MYRTLE, myrtles, female. (Greek myrtos) (bot.). An evergreen shrub with beautiful white fragrant flowers. “Tender myrtle and dark cypress sleep.” Pushkin. Ushakov's explanatory dictionary. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 … Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary
Myrta Dictionary of Russian synonyms. myrtle noun, number of synonyms: 5 tree (618) shrub ... Synonym dictionary
A; m. [Greek mirtos] 1. Southern evergreen tree or shrub with large fragrant white flowers. Myrtle leaves. M. blooms. Plant m. 2. Trad. poet. A wreath made from the leaves of this tree or its branch as a symbol of silence, peace and pleasure. To marry... ... encyclopedic Dictionary
