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The Myrtle (Myrtus) is a genus of one or two species of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae, native to southern Europe. They are evergreen shrubs or small trees growing to 5 m tall. The leaves are entire, 3-5 cm long, with a fragrant essential oils. The star-like flowers have five petals and sepals, and numerous stamens. Petals are usually white. The fruits are globose blue-black berries containing several seeds. During the 18 C plant hunters brought these trees over to Britain and grew them as specimen trees, the trees are now found in a few park areas in southern England.
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