Lemon Myrtle
Natural HistoryLemon Myrtle Backhousia citriodora is a medium sized coastal rainforest tree which prefers to grow in humid sub tropical conditions as shown by the yellow dot on the map. It is the worlds richest source of citral which is also the essential oil found in Lemongrass. The best cultivars of Lemon Myrtle contain up to 11 times the essential oil content as Lemongrass. Current research is revealing the wonderful healing properties of Lemon Myrtle Oil, reputed to have better healing properties than tea tree oil. |
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Cultural HistoryLemon Myrtle was undoubtedly used by the coastal Aboriginal tribes of northern NSW where it grows naturally. They would have used it with their cooking and probably used the branches in ground ovens to add their delicious aroma to the baked foods as they did with other aromatic herbs. Lemon Myrtle was also used as herbal medicine with leaves wrapped over wounds to help with the healing process as the swamp tea tree was. Left: One of our suppliers' Lemon Myrtle Plantations in northern NSW. These trees are in flower and are around 4 years old, they prefer to grow in well mulched fertile soil with high humidity. |
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