Myrtle (Anise Myrtle)

Anise myrtle is neither anise nor a true myrtle. Backhousia anisata, now often placed in Syzygium, is an Australian rainforest tree of the myrtle family. It shares trans-anethole with anise and star anise, but none of their botany.

01 · Origin

A tree of the subtropical rainforests of northern New South Wales, with a limited natural range. This oil is distilled from the leaves of wild trees in Australia.

02 · Chemistry

Trans-anethole dominates. Methyl chavicol, also called estragole, is a secondary constituent. Anisaldehyde contributes a sweet, floral-powdery tone, and cis-anethole is present in small amounts. Like other anethole-rich oils, it may crystallise in a cool room; gentle warming restores it.

03 · In Practice

Sweet and liquorice-like, with a fresher, greener lift than the seed and fruit oils. A middle note. Used sparingly in diffusion, massage oils and perfumery. Comparison with Anise (No. 1080) and Anise, Star (No. 1091) shows three unrelated sources of the same dominant molecule. Blends with orange, mandarin, lemon myrtle, ginger, cardamom, fennel and black pepper.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.