The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Location
Only recorded as growing in Ithilien, but evidently known as far north as the Shire
Species
Myrtus communis
Pronunciation
mu'rtel
Meaning
From Greek myrtos1

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About this entry:

  • Updated 12 July 2018
  • This entry is complete

Myrtle

An evergreen flowering plant, commonly growing as a shrub but sometimes reaching the height of a low tree, myrtle has glossy dark green leaves and grows white flowers and blue-black berries. It was among the many herbs and plants found growing in Ithilien, a land with the warmer climate that the plant prefers. It was perhaps also found farther north: the daughter of Peony Baggins and Milo Burrows was given the name 'Myrtle', showing that the plant was known, and perhaps cultivated, in regions as far north as the Shire.


Notes

1

This is a very old name, with myrtos being used in ancient Greek for the same plant. Going back even further, the name seems to have arisen from an archaic root meaning 'bitter', and through this root the name 'myrtle' is etymologically connected to the word 'myrrh' (a substance actually produced by a plant quite unrelated to myrtle).

See also...

Junipers

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 12 July 2018
  • This entry is complete

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