Myrtus communis (common myrtle, "Ginbaika")

Japanese name: ギンバイカ （銀梅花）
Scientific name: Myrtus communis

[Overview]
An evergreen shrub about 1–3 m tall.
The leaves are simple and opposite, ovate-lanceolate, 2–5 cm long, with a glossy surface.
The leaf margins are entire.
When rubbed, the leaves give off a strong fragrance similar to eucalyptus.
The flowers are borne singly in the leaf axils; they are 4–5-petaled, about 3 cm across, and white or tinged with pink.
The many long stamens are conspicuous.
The flowers are fragrant.
The fruit is a blackish purple berry with a sweet taste.

[History]
In ancient Egypt and southern Europe it was regarded as the tree of the goddess of love, and in Greek and Roman times, together with bay laurel, it was used to make crowns for triumphant soldiers.
It was also made into wreaths for brides.

[Uses]
The flowers and leaves are used medicinally and as a raw material for essential oil.
The fruit is used to flavor dishes, and is made into liqueur together with the leaves.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or cuttings.
The germination rate of the seeds drops when they dry out, so harvest ripe fruits, wash off the pulp, bury the seeds in moistened vermiculite or similar so they do not dry out, store them in a cool, dark place, take them out the following spring, and wash them thoroughly once more before sowing.
It dislikes having mature plants transplanted.
It can overwinter outdoors in regions without frost.
It prefers fertile soil in a sunny, well-drained site.
Avoid places exposed to cold winter winds.
For potted plants and plants within 2 years of being planted in the ground, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; for established plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
Apply organic fertilizer around the plant as fertilizer in winter.
It is often grown in its natural shape, so trimming and pruning are not particularly necessary, but remove crowded branches inside the crown and overly long shoots after flowering.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

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