Common Myrtle. An evergreen shrub or small tree, growing to 5 metres tall. Myrtle has small dark green leaves that are soft and fragrant. It has culinary uses and yields an essential oil as well as being used a flavouring in some alcoholic concoctions such as gin. White flowers are followed by purple berries, that are edible.

Myrtle is indigenous to much of Europe and grows throughout Portugal. It is often found growing amongst other common native plants such Pistacia, Phillyrea, Rhamnus and wild olive in any road or hillside shrubbery. It is equally as tough as these species and if planted with them will make a solid formal hedge or informal screen. The more these plants are cut the denser the screen will be, a rough pruning once a year will produce a good screen. If you want flowers and berries, these come at the end of summer, so pruning should be fairly early in the year. Myrtle, particularly when planted in conjunction with these other species, is excellent for all wildlife, providing cover and food. Once established it only requires seasonal rainfall.