Myrtle
EN

Myrtle

Myrtus communis

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Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrtus_communis

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Myrtle faces severe population decline across its Mediterranean range due to extensive habitat conversion for agriculture and urban development. Coastal development has eliminated many of its traditional maquis and garrigue habitats, while intensive farming practices have fragmented remaining populations. Climate change compounds these pressures through increased drought stress and altered fire regimes that disrupt its natural regeneration cycles.

Threat summary

Habitat

Myrtle inhabits Mediterranean maquis, garrigue scrublands, and rocky coastal areas, typically growing in well-drained soils from sea level to 800 meters elevation. It thrives in the characteristic Mediterranean climate zones with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Myrtaceae

CR

Syzygium manii

Unknown
CR

Syzygium ebaloi

Unknown
CR

Plinia recurvata

Unknown
CR

Plinia orthoclada

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Myrtle classified as Endangered?
Myrtle is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Myrtle faces severe population decline across its Mediterranean range due to extensive habitat conversion for agriculture and urban development. Coastal development has eliminated many of its traditional maquis and garrigue habitats, while intensive farming practices have fragmented remaining populations. Climate change compounds these pressures through increased drought stress and altered fire regimes that disrupt its natural regeneration cycles.
Where does Myrtle live?
Myrtle occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Myrtle?
The main threats to Myrtle are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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