A myrtle tree is an evergreen shrub or small tree that belongs to the genus Myrtus and the family Myrtaceae. It is native to Mediterranean Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey. The myrtle tree is cherished for its abundance of dainty, evergreen leaves that adorn the branches year-round, and in summer, it blooms with gorgeous star-like flowers that release their fragrance into the air. After flowering, small blue-black berries begin to grow on the branches, which are sweet and edible but are rarely eaten and instead are used to make a traditional Sardinian liqueur known as Mirto.

The myrtle tree has a rich history of symbolism and meaning. In ancient Greece, it was associated with the goddesses Demeter and Aphrodite and was considered an aphrodisiac, known to appear in wedding crowns for either the bride or the groom. In Judaism, myrtle is known as Hadassah and is one of four sacred plants in the Feast of the Tabernacles, representing the different types of personality making up the community. The myrtle represents the community and is thought of as a symbol of peace, Eden, and marriage.

There are many references to myrtle in ancient mythology and the Bible, and the plant has a great ceremonial role in other civilizations. The myrtle tree has medicinal uses, and its leaves contain essential oils that have been used for their antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. The myrtle tree is also a popular ornamental plant, and most crepe myrtle trees planted today are selections of Lagerstroemia indica or hybrids between this species and Lagerstroemia subcostata var. fauriei.