any plant of the genus Myrtus, esp. M. communis, a shrub of southern Europe having evergreen leaves, fragrant white flowers, and aromatic berries

anciently held sacred to Venus and used as an emblem of love. Compare myrtle family

any of certain unrelated plants, as the periwinkle, Vinca minor, and California laurel, Umbellularia californica.

Also called myrtlewood

Also called myrtle green. dark green with bluish tinge.