The Myrtle (Myrtus) is a genus of one or two species of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae, native to southern Europe and north Africa. They are evergreen shrubs or small trees, growing to 5 m tall. The leaves are entire, 3-5 cm long, with a pleasantly fragrant essential oil. The flowers have five petals and sepals, and an amazingly large number of stamens.The Common Myrtle Myrtus communis, is widespread in the Mediterranean region and is also by far the most commonly cultivated.

In Greek mythology, myrtle was considered to be sacred to Aphrodite.

The plants are grown for myrtle oil, used in perfume manufacture and as a condiment, and as ornamental shrubs used in xeriscaping (planting for drouhgt prone areas) where they are valued for their tolerance of hot, dry summers.

On the Italian island of Sardinia, a digestive liqueur called mirto is made by macerating myrtle berries in alcohol.