You do like offering us a challenge, don't you, Batya? There are assorted 'myrtles' - and we need to find out which one you've got.

The most likely contender is Myrtus communis. This one has both culinary and medicinal uses, so it qualifies as a herb.

Take a look at the pictures at the link below, and see if the leaves etc match what you've got. If not - well, we'll have to do some more hunting.

http://www.perfectplants.com/myrtleIMG_0007.jpg

Or it could be a Crape Myrtle - of which there are several species. Check here:

http://images.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/beverly/bt0222.jpg&imgrefurl=http://botany.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/imaxxlyt.htm&usg=__xC66cdE1gtkRIERo1Ly2e1We17A=&h=706&w=749&sz=126&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=_t8bJtjYqKuUiM:&tbnh=133&tbnw=141&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmyrtle%2Bplant%2Bisrael%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-GB:official%26sa%3DG

Or, since you're in Israel, this site might be a starting point for you. There's a 'myrtle' used to celebrate Hadas. You could do some local research about this - which your plant could well be.

http://images.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/wp-content/photos/sukkot015.jpg&imgrefurl=http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/2008/10/page/3/&usg=__VFLZgKqdBcsG82DQsXhDjT-AwAo=&h=600&w=900&sz=102&hl=en&start=12&tbnid=kW9KaVAymQUTMM:&tbnh=97&tbnw=146&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmyrtle%2Bplant%2Bisrael%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-GB:official%26sa%3DG

Here is a link that might be useful: myrtus communis

After searching the web, it's nearly for sure comunis - common myrtle. The topiary shape threw me off, as the leaves are tiny and no flowers yet, and no way to tell what the shape would naturally be. The name Hadas is just Hebrew for myrtle, and the holiday celebrated is Sukkot - Feast of Tabernacles I think in English. But those folks in the picture use another kind of myrtle apparently, with larger leaves and longer branches, I really think it's a different species. Thanks for your efforts Daisy!

So we've identified it - now what to do with it? My books say it's an evergreen perennial that likes sun, but not much else. Culinary and medicinal? How to care for it? What to expect? And most importantly, is it high abuse? Meaning of course, that when I leave for the States for 4 months this fall, will my DG and overzealous neighbor have a good chance of killing it? Peace, Batya

Well, thanks for clearing up my misinterpretation of the site I gave you! I assumed from that that your myrtle might be the same as the one depicted there.

OK, so here's some info about the common myrtle, which you think you've got.

Grows in most well-drained soils, but prefers a fairly rich soil which is moderately alkaline. It cannot grow in the shade. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure, and some drought. The plant is very tolerant of regular clipping, best done in spring, and can be grown as a hedge. Tolerates frost to about 12C, as long as it is sheltered from cold, drying winds. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Does not succeed outdoors in the colder climates. A moderately fast-growing plant when young but soon slowing with age.

Harvesting: Collect aerial parts as available, usually in summer. They may be dried for future use.

Culinary Uses: Fruit can be eaten, cooked, dried, or raw. It has an aromatic flavour and can be made into a drink. The leaves are used as a flavouring in cooked savoury dishes, but are not eaten. They can be used as a substitute for bay leaves. The dried fruits and flower buds are used to flavour sauces and syrups. The smoke of its wood or leaves gives a bay/rosemary flavour to barbecued food, The dried berries can be used like pepper, or nibbled as a breath freshener. An essential oil from the leaves and twigs is used as a condiment, especially when mixed with other spices. Flower buds may be eaten. They have a sweet flavour and are used in salads.

Medicinal Uses: The plant is taken internally in the treatment of urinary infections, digestive problems, vaginal discharge, bronchial congestion, sinusitis and dry coughs. Externally, (usually the essential oil) it is used in the treatment of acne, wounds, gum infections and haemorrhoids. The oil is used as a local application in the treatment of rheumatism. The fruit is used in the treatment of dysentery, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, internal ulceration and rheumatism. There is some indication that in may reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Usual Dosage: Take 1-2ml of the essential oil daily by mouth.

Other Uses: An essential oil from the bark, leaves and flowers is used in perfumery, soaps and skin-care products. A perfumed water, known as Âeau d'angeÂ, is obtained from the flowers. A high quality charcoal is made from the wood. The wood is also used to make walking sticks, tool handles and furniture. The flowers are often used in bridal bouquets.

Folklore: If grown on each side of a house love and peace will reside within and it is a lucky plant to grow in window boxes if a woman plants it. Carrying the wood helps to retain youthfulness.

Warning: Internal use may give a violet-like scent to the urine. Do not confuse this with other plants with similar names. Do not use myrtle internally if taking insulin or oral sulfonylureas. Myrtle may affect liver function, so avoid if suffering from disorders of the liver. Large amounts taken orally can cause breathing and circulation problems, and low blood pressure.