Lemon Myrtle
Origin of name
Family: MYRTACEAE
- Backhousia in honour of James Backhouse
- citriodora meaning “lemon-scented“
Occurrence
Occurs in most types of rainforest in coastal Qld.
Suits full-sun/part-shade & well-drained or sandy soils. Responds to slow-release fertiliser & adequate watering. Older plants tolerate some dryness. Prone to yellowing if soil is too alkaline. Suitable as ornamental shade tree, pruned shrub/hedge, screen planting & indoor pot plant.
Appearance
Tree to 5-8m in cultivation, but taller in rainforest. Large clusters of white flowers (Dec-Mar) are prolific & lead to seed pods (Mar-May) with persistent sepals. Low branches can persist, producing ground-sweeping foliage.
Leaves used in cooking for ‘more lemon than lemon’ flavour. Flowers attract birds, butterflies, bees, beetles.
