The question of whether myrtlewood grows in the Holy Land requires clarifying two distinct botanical terms. The plant genus Myrtus has a profound and ancient connection to the historical region of the Levant. While “myrtlewood” often refers to commercial timber from a completely different species, the true myrtle shrub is native and deeply rooted in the landscape and traditions of the area. This discussion focuses on the Mediterranean myrtle, its presence, and its significance in the Holy Land.
Myrtle’s Identity and Native Presence in the Levant
The plant central to this discussion is Myrtus communis, commonly known as the common myrtle or true myrtle, and it is native to the Levant. This evergreen species thrives naturally in the Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The common myrtle typically grows as a dense shrub, but it can reach the size of a small tree, sometimes up to 16 feet (5 meters) tall.
Its glossy, dark green leaves are a defining feature, containing aromatic essential oils that release a refreshing scent when bruised. The small, white, star-like flowers bloom in late spring and summer, followed by small, edible, blue-black berries. In the wild, the shrub is found in specific habitats across the region, including the Upper Galilee and Mount Carmel in Israel.
Myrtus communis prefers well-drained soils, tolerating both mildly acidic and alkaline conditions, and requires a sunny or partially shaded position to flourish. The ability of this plant to thrive in the region’s dry, rocky slopes and along stream banks shows its long-standing adaptation to the local environment. Its native presence across Western Asia and the Mediterranean basin confirms it as an authentic plant of the Holy Land.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The connection of myrtle to the Holy Land extends beyond its botanical classification, weaving into ancient traditions and texts. The plant, known in Hebrew as hadas, is mentioned in prophetic books of the Bible, symbolizing divine blessing, peace, and renewal. For instance, the prophet Isaiah uses the myrtle as a symbol of transformation and restoration, growing in place of the brier.
The myrtle holds a special place in Jewish ritual, where its branches form one of the “Four Species” used during the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot. This ancient practice signifies a strong connection to the region’s agricultural and spiritual past. The Hebrew name Hadassah, the original name of Queen Esther, further illustrates the plant’s deep cultural integration.
Beyond religious ceremony, the myrtle was valued in antiquity for its aromatic and perceived medicinal properties. Its fragrant leaves and branches were historically used to prepare wreaths for celebrations, including weddings, and were awarded to Roman commanders for ceremonial purification. Ancient physicians in the region utilized myrtle leaves as a folk remedy, sometimes recommending them to treat ailments like high blood pressure.
Distinguishing Myrtlewood from Other Uses
Distinguishing the plant from the commercial timber product is necessary when discussing myrtlewood in the Holy Land. The Myrtus communis shrub of the Levant is quite small, meaning its wood is not suitable for large-scale lumber or construction. Commercially, the term “Myrtlewood” is often applied to the wood of the Oregon Myrtle, Umbellularia californica, a completely different species native to the Pacific coast of the United States.
The dense, slow-growing wood of the Mediterranean myrtle was historically used on a much smaller scale. Its timber was utilized for crafting small implements, decorative turning projects, or as aromatic firewood that imparted a spicy flavor to grilled meats. The primary modern application of the plant, however, is not its timber, but its volatile essential oil.
Myrtle essential oil, extracted from the leaves, is used in contemporary health, beauty, and culinary products. In some Mediterranean cultures, the berries are macerated in alcohol to produce a distinctive liqueur, known as Mirto. These diverse applications—from fragrant oil and flavoring agent to a small source of wood—highlight the plant’s long-standing utility.