Genus MYRTUS, Linn. 
Myrtacese. Icosandria Monogynia. 
Syst. Nat'. S y st - Lin - 
Synonymes. 
Myrtus, Eugenia, Caryophillus, Calyp- j q f ^ uthors . 
tranthes, Pimenta, j 
Derivations. The word Myrtus, according to some lexicographers, is derived from the Greek muron, a perfumed oif; in allu- 
sion to the grateful perfume of the leaves, flowers, and fruit of most of the species of this genus. The other names belong to 
genera which were supposed by some botanists to include species more properly coming under the head of Myrtus. 
Generic Characters Calyx 5-cleft. Petals 5. Berry 2 or 3-celled, many-seeded. Radicle and cotyledons 
distinct. Loudon, Enc. of Plants. 
\E.E genus Mytrus belongs to that natural group of woody plants, 
which, in general, may be recognized by their opposite, entire 
leaves, full of transparent dots, which indicate the presence of a 
fragrant, aromatic, pungent, volatile oil. Hence, the grateful per- 
fume of the leaves, flowers, and fruit, of the greater part of the 
trees and shrubs belonging to this order. Like most highly aro- 
matic woody plants, the species are chiefly inhabitants of warm climates. The 
common myrtle, however, is a native of Europe ; but. all the other kinds belong 
to North or South America, Africa, Asia, or Australia. All the species may be 
propagated by cuttings, and many of them, from their being evergreen, and from 
the beauty of their foliage and flowers, are very appropriate for hedges, in a mild 
climate, or for conservatory walls, in a cold one. 
To the same natural family belongs the common guava, (Psidium pyriferum,) 
of the tropics, so much esteemed by all classes, both when formed into a jelly, 
and when eaten raw ; also the Florida guava, (Psidium buxifolium,) the excel- 
lent flavour of the fruit of which has been compared to that of strawberries and 
cream. Nearly allied to the genus myrtus are the common clove of commerce, 
(Caryophyllus aromaticus,) a native of the Molucca Islands; and the Jamaica 
pepper, or allspice (Pimenta vulgaris.) This order also includes the Jambolana 
or Java plum-tree, (Calyptranthes jambolana,) bearing a black esculent berry ; 
the forked calyptranthes, (Calyptranthes chytraculia,) indigenous to the West 
Indies and Southern Florida; the Malay apple, (Eugenia malaccensis,) cultivated 
between the tropics, for its fruit ; the Eugenia dichotoma, procera, and buxifolia, 
of Southern Florida, Cuba, Jamaica, &c. ; and the pitanga, (Myrtus braziliensis,) 
the latter of which is much cultivated in Brazil for its highly delicious, sub-acid 
fruit, from which there is manufactured an excellent jelly. 
Among other ligneous plants nearly allied to this group, and which are hardy, 
are the Tamarix gallica, indica, and dioica, and the Myricaria germanica. The for- 
mer is interesting, from its ascending, spreading stems, numerous slender branches, 
abundant, minute foliage, and its splendid panicles of racemes, of pale rose-col- 
oured flowers. From its bitter and highly astringent properties, it is occasionally 
employed as a tonic in medicine ; and, in Denmark, it is sometimes substituted 
for hops in making beer. When grown near the sea, its ashes contain a large 
proportion of sulphate of soda. By means of the puncture of the Coccus manni- 
parius. a species of manna is produced, known in commerce by the name of Ara- 
bian, to distinguish it from the Persian manna, which is the produce of the Alhagi 
niaurorum. The Myricaria germanica is interesting from its close upright habit 
of growth, and the glaucous hue of its persistent foliage. To the foregoing may 
be added the common syringa or mock orange, (Philadelphus coronarius,) a native 
nf the south of Europe; Philadelphus verrucosus, laxus, and hirsutus, of North 
America: and the Philadelphus tomentosus, of Nepal. 
