Article Nº 2494 Plant Vol. II · p. 789
Myrtle (Myrtus communis, forma lusitanica)
Original title: Murta (Myrtus communis, forma lusitanica)
Myrtle, a native shrub or tree in Madeira, also grown in quintas; its branches decorate churches and are strewn in streets for processions.
A shrub or tree of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), growing wild in Madeira. It is found at Ribeira de João Gomes (‘João Gomes’s stream’), in the valley of Machico, etc., and is cultivated in many quintas. Myrtle branches are widely used to decorate churches for religious festivals, and are strewn in the streets on days when there are processions. Myrtle wood is reddish grey, hard and of good quality.
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