Backhousia citriodora - Coromandel Native Nursery

This Adelaide Advanced Nursery fact sheet is a guide only .
Backhousia citriodora
Common Name; Lemon Myrtle
Description; An Evergreen large shrub or small tree. Occurs naturally in Coastal Southern Queensland.
Foliage often sweeps the ground.
Foliage; The leaves of Backhousia citriodora are a fresh green color and strongly lemon scented. The
young foliage is reddish and the young shoots and undersides of the leaves are often hairy.
Flowers; The very attractive white flowers are numerous and produced in long-stalked clusters.
Fruit; The fruit is a nut-like capsule which contains several small seeds. These are occasionally released
but are generally retained until the whole fruit fails from the tree.
Position; Backhousia citriodora is slightly frost-tender when young but can be grown outside in frosty areas
provided it is planted in a sheltered position in semi-shade. Prefers full sun.
Notes; One of the most useful of the Australian native herbs and spices, Lemon Myrtle has a delicious
lemongrass-like flavor and aroma of lemon verbena. Use in dishes such as stir-fry’s and Asian curries as a
substitute for lemongrass.
Used also to make fragrant tea. Add towards the end of cooking, so it is not cooked for more than 10-15
minutes, as any longer than this will destroy the delicate lemon notes. Lemon Myrtle must be used sparingly,
about ½ a teaspoon for 500g of meat and/or vegetables, otherwise the camphor-like eucalyptus taste will
dominate. Also used to make Soaps, perfume and skin lotions . The essential oil of the Lemon myrtle is
used in aromatherapy. For more details on products go to www.lemonmyrtle.com.au
For more information call or fax our office PH 8270 7700 FAX 8388 2711