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Backhousia citriodora

Lemon Myrtle

Prune after flowering to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, or for a tree form.

Backhousia citriodora, or Lemon Myrtle, is a fragrant Australian native tree/shrub known for its intense lemon scent from glossy leaves, used in cooking (teas, desserts, savory dishes), aromatherapy, and as an ornamental plant for screening or feature planting in warm climates. It's rich in citral, making it a popular bush tucker, and features fluffy white flowers in summer that attract pollinators.

Maintenance

Prune after flowering to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, or for a tree form.

Height and spread

Up to 3-4 m

Some photographs by Martina Gemmola

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