Evergreen shrub from the Mediterranean region with aromatic leaves and showy white flowers followed by edible purple berries. The scented leaves are used to flavor meat, as an astringent, and are antiseptic. The Romans and Egyptians used the plant for respiratory, urinary and digestive ailments. The leaves are also used in the cosmetics industry and and to produce the aromatic liqueur mirto. Myrtles are very rewarding and easy indoor plants and good bonsai/topiary candidates.