Myrtus communis L. var. microphylla

See Myrtus communis L. for more details on the species and its varieties.  Microphylla is a more compact and rounded shrub, smaller than the type in all its parts, with narrower leaves, pink-tinted cream flowers and white berries.  [RHSE, Hilliers’]. 

Horticultural & Botanical History

See Myrtus communis L. for additional data.

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [T.694/1850] but possibly grown since at least 1844.  A list of plants sent to James Graham of Melbourne on 17 July, 1844, consigned to Mr. C. J. Barrett, included ‘1 Myrtus communis, 1 ditto narrow leaved’ [MP A2933-1, p.66].  But this may be a reference to Myrtus communis L. var. mucronata which see.  This may be the same plant.

Notes

Published Jan 18, 2010 - 04:13 AM | Last updated Jan 18, 2010 - 04:28 AM

More details about Myrtus communis L. var. microphylla
Family Myrtaceae
Category
Region of origin

Mediterranean
Synonyms
  • Myrtus tarentina Mill.
  • Myrtus communis L. subsp. tarentina
  • Myrtus communis L. ‘Jenny Reitenbach’ 
Common Name

Nana, The Tarentum myrtle
Name in the Camden Park Record

Myrtus communis v. small leaved Myrtle 
Confidence level low