Myrtle is a species of the Laurel tree.  Primarily found from Oregon south into California, the burl of this species is a root burl – meaning it forms within the stump section of the tree.

As a species, Myrtle has a very dark colored heartwood, although the sapwood is more prevalent in the round log.  The burls, being produced on a lathe (full rotary) yield veneers which are very blonde in color (the sapwood) and also veneers which contain some of the darker heartwood.  The mix of the two colors, as shown in this photo, is what we call calico.

A favorite in the dash board industry, Myrtle Burl stains very well, and is often stained due to the color mix.  It can also be dyed.