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How to Pollinate Common myrtle
(Myrtus communis)
Common myrtle, also known as Roman Myrtle, Bride's Myrtle, Sweet Roman Myrtle, True myrtle, Myrtle
Bustling bees are the primary pollinators for the common myrtle, drawn by its fragrant allure. These industrious insects play an integral role in the plant's fertilization process, delivering pollen between flowers with unwavering precision. Common myrtle's blooming period, typically during the summer months, aligns perfectly with the bees' active season, ensuring a successful pollination process. Truly, the common myrtle and bees exhibit a harmonious, symbiotic relationship - a testament to nature's intricate design!
pollination

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Common Myrtle?

Bloom Time
Summer
Primary pollinators
Bees
Potential pollinators
Beetles, Butterflies

How Does Pollination Occur in Common Myrtle?

The flowers of common myrtle are showy, white, with numerous stamens and a single carpel in the center. They blossom in the summer and are fragrant, making them attractive to many insects.

Pollination in common myrtle typically occurs via insects that transfer pollen from the flowers' stamens to their carpels.
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How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Common Myrtle?

Plant Diversity
Create a diverse garden with a variety of flowering plants that bloom at different times. This will provide a continuous food source for the bees, beetles, and butterflies, thereby attracting them to the garden throughout the growing season.
Water Source
Providing a shallow water source with perforated lids or marbles to break the water surface tension would also attract these pollinators. Bees and butterflies require water for survival.
Habitat
Create suitable habitats for the pollinators. This could involve creating bee houses for bees and providing food plants for the caterpillar stage of butterflies. This will encourage these pollinators to take up residence in the garden or farm and therefore increase their numbers.
Pesticides
Limit the use of pesticides or opt for pollinator-safe options. Conventional pesticides can kill or repel primary and potential pollinators of Common myrtle. Instead, consider using natural pest control methods or organic pesticides which are less harmful to these beneficial insects.

How Can You Determine if Common Myrtle has Been Pollinated?

Flower coloration
In common myrtle, successful pollination often leads to an observable change in flower color, typically a deepening of the shade.
Pollen disappearance
In common myrtle, after pollination, there should be noticeable decrease in exposed pollen on the anthers of the plant.
Fruit formation
For common myrtle, successful pollination will result in the formation and growth of fruit at the base of the flower.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Common Myrtle

Difficulty
Normal
Duration
45 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Common Myrtle?

Small Brush
A small, soft brush is used to collect pollen from the male flowers and transfer it to the female flowers.
Gloves
To prevent potential allergenic reactions or damage to flowers, wear gloves during the pollination process.
Ruler
Used to measure the development stage of the flower if necessary.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Common Myrtle?

The best time to hand-pollinate common myrtle is early in the morning when the flowers have just opened and the pollen is fresh and copious. In terms of the plant's life cycle, aim for the flowering stage, which usually occurs in the late spring or early summer.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Common Myrtle

Step1: Preparation
Put on your gloves and prepare your small brush. You will be using this to transfer the pollen.
Step2: Pollen Collection
Gently touch the stamens of a flower with your brush to gather pollen. The pollen should stick to your brush.
Step3: Pollen Transfer
Next, go to a female flower. Gently touch the brush to the stigma to deposit the pollen you gathered. Repeat this process with remaining flowers.
Step4: Clean Equipment
Once completed, ensure to clean the brush properly to avoid cross-contamination for future hand-pollination.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Common Myrtle Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Low Pollinator Presence
If common myrtle isn't seeing pollinators, consider attracting more with a combination of bright flowers, shallow water sources and sheltering plants nearby.
Blocked Flower Access
Ensure that common myrtle's terrain doesn't limit access for pollinators. Remove obstructions, or if indoors, consider hand pollination.
Poor Fruit Production
If common myrtle has a decrease in fruit despite good pollinator populations, ensure adequate water supply and check for signs of disease or pests.
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