Common Name: Lemon Myrtle

General Information

Backhousia citriodora is a relatively slow-growing, aromatic, evergreen tall shrub or small tree, sometimes growing up to 20 metres tall in the wild, though usually smaller and rarely above 5 metres in cultivation[, , ]. The plant usually branches from quite low down the bole[].
The plant is often used as a flavouring and to make a refreshing tea - it has become widely used in the gourmet bushfood industry[]. The leaves are also valued for their essential oil content and are gathered from the wild. Some commercial cultivation also takes place[]. The plant is also grown as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Northern Australia - Queensland.

Habitat

Coastal notophyll vine forest[]. Coastal forests and rainforests[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the subtropical to tropical zones, it is also able to succeed in frost-free temperate regions[]. Mature plants can tolerate some frost, with records of plants tolerating occasional short-lived lows down to -8°c, but younger plants require protection[, ]. Plants grow naturally in areas with 800mm or more rainfall per year[].
Prefers a moist but well-drained fertile soil and a position in full sun[]. A hardy plant, it tolerates all but the poorest drained soils[]. Requires a circumneutral soil and are prone to yellowing in alkaline conditions[]. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant[]. Plants require protection from strong winds since they can easily snap off at the base of the trunk[].
Plants commence flowering when quite young[].
When crushed, the leaves emit a very strong aroma which would rival any member of the citrus family[].
Plants are generally slow-growing[].

Edible Uses

The fresh and dried leaves, flowers and seeds have an intense, extremely pleasant flavour reminiscent of lemon verbena (Alloysia triphylla)[]. They are used as a flavouring herb in various foods[, ].

A pleasant, lemon-flavoured tea can be made from the leaves and flowering stems[].

Medicinal

The essential oil obtained from the leaves possesses anti-microbial activity[].

Other Uses

The leaves contain an essential oil that contains more than 90% citral[]. It is used in perfumes and soaps and as a flavouring[]. The oil resembles lemongrass oil, but is said to be of a better quality (e.g. lacking grassy-fatty or harsh notes) and of higher yield[].
This species is known to have at least two chemical forms, with their respective aromatic essential oils (which give the aroma and flavour) being richer either in citral or its close chemical relative citronellal[]. The citral form seems to be much commoner, and this form is the one selected and grown for its sweet lemon-type perfume and flavour[].

The light pink colourd wood is fine-grained, very hard and heavy. It is likely to be useful for ornamental purposes[, ].

Propagation

Seed - it is difficult to germinate[]. Surface sow onto a moist medium, standing the seed tray in almost half its depth of clean water and maintain a temperature around 16 - 18c[]. Seedlings take about 12 months to develop fully. When seedlings are about 5mm tall, remove the tray from the water, leave for 4 - 5 days and then prick the seedlings out into individual containers[].
Cuttings of semi-ripe wood with a heel[]. Slow to make roots[].
Small lower branches often touch the ground and form roots. These can be severed from the parent plant, and planted elsewhere[].

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