Lemon Myrtle

Origin: Queensland, Australia

Family: Myrtaceae
Scientific Name: Backhousia citriodora

Folk Names: Lemon scented ironwood, sweet verbena tree, sweet verbena myrtle

Magical

Element: Air
Day: Wednesday
Planet: Uranus
Zodiac: Aquarius
Associated Celebrations: VernEx

Parts Used: Leaves

Magical Properties: Purification, health, insight, clarity, psychic protection

Substitutions: Eucalyptus

Aromatherapy

Part Used: Leaves
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Flash Point: 63°C

Scent Type: Citrus
Perfume Note: Top
Scent Description: Fresh, with a strong lemon aroma

Active Constituents: Citral (90-98%)

Aromatherapeutic Uses

Blends well with: Citrus, cypress, eucalyptus, frankincense, sandalwood, tea-tree

Warnings:

• Avoid during pregnancy.
• Should not be used on or around children under 2.
• May cause skin irritation and sensitisation, dilute double for topical application.

Botanical

Type: Tree
Plant size: up to 20m in the wild
Bark: Red, fresh growth, fading brown
Leaves: 5-12cm long, 1.5-2.5cm wide and glossy green
Flowers: Cream/white flowers, 5-7mm across, in clusters at the end of the branch
Fruit: Dry, woody fruits, which split in two

Etymology: Named Backhousia for English botanist James Backhouse. Common name comes from the strong lemon scent of the leaves.

In the Garden

Type: Evergreen tree
Light: Partial shade
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil