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| Myrtle Family (Myrtaceae) |
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| Native to Mediterranean
region |
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Myrtle is used extensively
as hedging throughout the grounds of the Enchanted
Hill. The circular hedge near the south entrance
to the Assembly room contains both regular Myrtle
and the smaller-leafed Dwarf Myrtle. The two-tone
leaves of Variegated Myrtle are seen at the top
of the stairs next to the Discobolus bronze on C
Terrace.
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| Evergreen
shrub which can grow to small tree with age.
The leaves are glossy, bright green, pointed,
and can grow to 2 inches long. Leaves are
pleasantly fragrant when brushed or cut. Flowers
are 3/4 inch wide, white to pinkish, appearing
in summer, followed by 1/2 inch blue-black
berries. |
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| The
Myrtle has long been a symbolic plant in Mediterranean
cultures. In ancient Greece it was sacred
to Aphrodite and later to the Roman equivalent,
Venus. It preceded Laurel as the plant symbolizing
victory, whether in war or in athletic games.
One can see Myrtle symbolically used in this
way today--the golden designs used on U. S.
military officers' hats contain sprigs of
Myrtle. The plant's berries were used for
centuries by the Romans as a pepper-like seasoning.
The leaves were used in medicine, and both
the leaves and flowers were used to make love
potions (being the sacred plant of Venus).
Myrtle is also a symbolic plant for the Jews,
being one of four plants used during the Sukkoth
festival that celebrates the harvest and commemorates
the period during which the Jews wandered
in the wilderness after the Exodus. |
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"Hearst Castle", "Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument", "La Cuesta Encantada",
and "The Enchanted Hill" are registered trademarks of Hearst Castle®/California State Parks.
©2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 California State Parks, All rights reserved.
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