Greek lophos — crest, Myrtus — myrtle

Shrubs or small trees. Leaves opposite, entire, leathery, gland-dotted. Flowers axillary, solitary, 4-parted. Sepals persistent. Stamens numerous. Ovary inferior with 2-3 chambers. Fruit a berry containing many kidney-shaped seeds.

Grown as landscape plants for the attractive habit and foliage.

2 species from New Zealand.

Cuttings and layers.

Sepals and petals 4, the sepals persistent; fruit a berry.

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Myrtaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 3. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 2. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.