Myrtle (Myrtaceae)
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Eucalyptus conica
Source: University of Newcastle
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The Myrtaceae, or myrtle, family are trees and shrubs native to
tropical regions, especially in America and Australia. The family, for
example the clove, eucalyptus , guava and pimento, are generally
characterised by evergreen leaves, which contain aromatic oils. Myrtles
are cultivated for their timber, gums, resins, oils, spices and edible
fruits. The true myrtle genus ( Myrtus ) is native to the American
tropics, while the classical myrtle ( M. communis ) is native around
the Mediterranean region. Indeed, the wreaths for victors in the ancient
Olympic games were made from the glossy M. communis leaves. [ ]
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[1] The Encyclopaedia
Britannica Online :
[2] The Geomorphology
and Quaternary Science Research Unit, School of Geosciences, University
of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2083, Australia : |
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