The myrtle family (Myrtaceae) contains about 150 genera and 3,300 species of trees and shrubs. Its members are widely distributed in the tropics and characteristically feature leathery leaves with oil glands. Several are useful as spices, and a number of species are economically important as timber trees. The following is a list of some of the major genera and species in Myrtaceae, arranged alphabetically by common name or genus.

• allspice (Pimenta dioica)
• Australian lancewood (genus Backhousia)
• Brisbane box (Lophostemon confertus)
• genus Callistemon
• clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
• genus Eucalyptus
  • Australian mountain ash (E. regnans)
• genus Eugenia
• feijoa (Acca sellowiana)
• guava (genus Psidium)
• jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora)
• genus Leptospermum
• myrtle (genus Myrtus)
• paperbark tree (genus Melaleuca)

Australia Botanical Essential Oil of the Myrtle Family

There are Four Exceptional Essential Oils in the Myrtle Family

• Anise Myrtle Botanical Name Syzygium anisatum
• Honey Myrtle Botanical Name Melaleuca teretifolia.
• Lemon Myrtle Botanical Name: Backhousia citriodora
• Rose Myrtle Botanical Name:  Leptospermum petersonii Variety ‘B’

The four sisters are Australian – Anise, Honey, Lemon and Rose.
They have asked me to tell their story about how their family and how special they are.
Myrtles Storey is for Aunt Ruth, a special Nightingale and Jack Wood a special father

 “MYRTLE’S STORY” 

The Myrtus Family have cousins from the Mediterranean
The myrtle plant family was first mentioned in history in ancient Greece. It was associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and was offered to certain men and women as a symbol of honour. The Greeks also valued the plant because of its healing qualities.

Myrtle is an evergreen shrub that originated from Africa but has become a native plant in the Mediterranean region. Its small, dark green leaves, purple-black coloured berries, and fragrant white flowers are all sources of myrtle essential oil.
However, it’s the leaves that produce the oil used in traditional medicine.

It was growing here FIRST (proven fact) and that’s another storey

The sisters’ essential oil is derived from their leaves.

ANISE PERNOD MYRTLE as her middle name suggests is the alcoholic of the family. Bush tucker food and a flavouring agent for beverages and alcoholic drinks.

HONEY PRECIOUS MYRTLE, as her middle name suggests is a precious and rare commodity

LEMON FAVOURITE MYRTLE, as her middle name suggests is lively, uplifting and happy. Out and about everywhere, well known and popular.  Although Lemon doesn’t drink alcohol, she is a Teetotaler. Lemon is “famous” in the Bush Tucker scene and a historic brand name,  reminiscent of Australian a soft drink called Tarax.

ROSE is just a ROSE  Stunningly beautiful and fragrant, always late.  Small plantation, therefore, limited supply.