- Latin name
- Myrtus communis
- Family
- Myrtle family (Myrtaceae)
- Origin
- the Mediterranean (Corsica, Sardinia, Morocco, Tunisia)
- Parts used
- leaves and twigs
- Raw materials
- essential oil
- Extraction
- steam distillation
- Olfactory group
- aromatic, green
- Position in the pyramid
- top note and heart
- Synthetic substitutes
- eucalyptol, linalool, myrtenyl acetate
Myrtle is an evergreen Mediterranean shrub with small glossy leaves, fluffy white flowers and dark-blue berries. Its aromatic oil is obtained by steam-distilling the leaves and young twigs.
How it smells: fresh, green and cool: aromatic leaves, a light eucalyptus and camphoraceous shade, a faintly floral and honeyed softness. Myrtle sounds cleaner and gentler than eucalyptus, evoking the sunny Mediterranean maquis.
Myrtle combines the freshness of eucalyptol with the softness of floral notes, so it sounds invigorating and calming at once. Perfumers love it in Mediterranean compositions that call for a natural, herbal freshness.
What it pairs with: with lemon and bergamot — fresh colognes, with rosemary and bay — Mediterranean herbs, with lentisk and cypress — the Corsican maquis, with rose — green floral freshness, with musk — clean transparent fragrances.
Good to know: in ancient Greece and Rome myrtle was the plant of Aphrodite and Venus, a symbol of love — sprigs of myrtle are still woven into wedding bouquets in Europe.
