MYRTLE FLOWER AND BERRIES

Myrtus communis, the common myrtle or true myrtle, in the family Myrtaceae, is native across the northern Mediterranean region (especially in the islands of Sardinia and Corsica, where it is locally known by the name of murta). The plant is an evergreen shrub or small tree, growing to 5 metres tall. The leaf is entire, 3–5 cm long, with a fragrant essential oil. The star-like flower has five petals and sepals, and numerous stamens. Petals usually are white. The flower is pollinated by insects. The fruit is a round berry containing several seeds, most commonly blue-black in colour. A variety with yellow-amber berries also exists and is shown here. The seeds are dispersed by birds that eat the berries.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme,
and also part of the Friday Greens meme.