Wednesday 23 January 2013

Lemon Myrtle Revisited

The Lemon Myrtle after flowering
The Lemon Myrtle in the last post has finished flowering but you wouldn't realize it. Now the lovely pale green sepals cover the tree giving it a soft, velvety look. This compact, small tree would be a delight to have in your garden, and so suitable to our local conditions.
The pale green sepals


Friday 4 January 2013

Lemon Myrtle

The Lemon Myrtle, Backhousia citriodora, was in full bloom in the park in December. It is found along the service road behind the dry rainforest area. Although the flowers are tiny they cover the tree like a veil and have a lemon perfume. When crushed the leaves also smell strongly of lemon. They contain high amounts of the essential oil citral and are used to flavour foods such as biscuits, desserts, ice-cream, fish recipes and teas. It also has medicinal qualities.
Lemon Myrtle, Backhousia citriodora,
in Peacehaven

They are slow-growing making them an ideal tree for a garden.  In multiple plantings they can be used for a dense screen or hedge.

Myrtle Rust was first discovered in Lemon Myrtle plantations so be aware.
Lemon Myrtle flower close-up

Lemon Myrtle blossom