Backhousia citriodora (common names lemon myrtle, lemon scented myrtle, lemon scented ironwood)

Lemon Myrtle is a medium-sized erect, columnar shrub or tree, to 8m tall (rarely more than 5m in cultivation), with a low-branching habit and dense foliage. It is extremely suitable for tall hedging and screens. Leaves are a fresh green colour and strongly lemon-scented. The young foliage is reddish. The fragrant lemon aroma permeates the immediate area as the foliage of this species has one of the highest levels of citronella of any plant.

Consequently it is farmed commercially to manufacture oils, medicinal and food products.

Its crushed leaves repel mosquitoes; the leaves make tasty soothing tea (hot or cold) and provide lemon flavour to stir fries. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, or dried and ground into a green powder.

Cooking Tips for Lemon Myrtle Add at the end of cooking, as prolonged cooking will destroy the lemon taste.

Use only in small amounts. If you use it in large amounts, a eucalyptus-like taste will come through instead. For the dried powder, use only up to 1/2 teaspoon per pound (500g) of other ingredients. Substitutes for Lemon Myrtle Lemon Grass