Common Name: |
Lemon Ironwood |
Other Names: |
Lemon myrtle, sweet verberna tree |
Botanical Name: |
Backhousia citriodora |
Genus: |
Backhousia |
Family: |
Myrtaceae |
Cultivation: |
Rich neutral to acid soil in sun |
Propagation: |
By seed sown on the surface of soil mix in spring at 13-15°C (55-59°F); by semi-ripe cuttings, mainly in summer. Slow and difficult from cuttings. |
Harvest: |
Leaves are picked as required and used fresh or dried. Flowers are gathered in autumn, and seeds when ripe in late winter or spring. |
Native Location: |
Australia (Queensland and N New South Wales) |
Height: |
3-20m (10-60ft) |
Width: |
2-10m (6-30ft) |
Hardiness: |
Min. 5-7°C (41-45°F) |
Parts Used: |
Leaves, flowers, seeds |
Properties: |
An aromatic herb with a strong lemon aroma. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally, in the form of an infusion, for colds. |
Culinary Uses: |
Fresh or dried leaves, flowers, and seeds are used to give a lemon flavor to vegetables, fish, seafood, and white meats, and as a substitute for lemon grass in SE Asian curries. Also in cakes, cookies, sauces, and desserts. Makes a pleasant herb tea. |
Economic Uses: |
Yields an essential oil, and is a source of citral, used in perfumery, soaps, and cleaning products. |
Bibliography: |
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown. Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 139-140
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