Nomenclature

Species name:

Author(s):

Carl von Linné;
   Sweden, 1707-1778

Principal Synonyms:

Myrtus acuta, Myrtus belgica, Myrtus boeticus, Myrtus italica, Myrtus littoralis, Myrtus veneris

Common names:

Myrte, Common Myrtle, Roman Myrtle

Maltese names:

Riħan

Plant Family:

  ( Family)

Status:

Remarks:

Two sites in Malta are named after this plant, indicating that it was much more common in the past and also indigenous. The sites are Wied ir-Rihan (a valley in Gozo) and Ghajn Rihana. -

Specifications & Description

Life Cycle:

Perennial.

Growth Form:

Soon to be updated...

Habitat:

Damp places such as in valleys.

Frequency:

Undetermined

Localities in Malta:

Very Rare in the wild, known only in very few sites namely Wardija (San Martin), Girgenti, and Buskett (cultivated). Found as an ornamental in several sites.

Plant Height:

1-5m (max.) but usually not more than 3m in Malta.

Flowering Period:

Jun - Oct

Protection in Malta:

Not Protected by Law (LN200/2011 or LN311/2006)

Red List 1989:

Not listed in the Flora section of the National Red Data Book (Lanfranco, 1989)

Poison:

Data not available

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