Myrtle

The bushes in the Patio de los Arrayanes are Myrtle (Myrtus communis).  This shrub has fine-textured, bright green leaves that do not need much pruning or trimming. The berries are also edible, with a fruity, slightly astringent flavour which goes particularly well with enhancing chicken, fish and meat dishes. Myrtle berries are fully ripe when their colour is purplish-black. The berries are toxic to dogs