Accession Count: 1
Common Name:
lemon scented gum
Family Name:
Myrtaceae
Botanical Name:
Corymbia citriodora
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Compound:
Cor cit
Geographic Origin:
Australia
Ecozone Origin:
Australasia
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
In its natural origin, the tree species is within the range of the central and northern coast of Queensland, Australia. (3) Currently, however the species has spread from Australia to mainly North and South America, and Africa. (3) In the United States, the St. Louis area to be more specific, it is usually grown from seed as a container plant, a houseplant or a garden annual. (2)
Cultivation Notes:
C. citriodora prefers a position exposed to partial or full sun with medium moisture, as well as well-drained soils. However it can also be grown in sandy soils along coastal regions. (2) The tree grows best where the annual rainfall, mostly summer, is 20 to 50 in, withstanding high temperatures and light frosts. (1) It has a very high tolerance to frost and continue to grow until it is too cold for them to do so. (1) Plants are shallow-rooting and should first be grown in a container before planting them in their final position. (1)
Ethnobotany:
The leaves are a traditional Aboriginal herbal remedy; the essential oil found in the leaves is a powerful antiseptic and is used all over the world for relieving coughs and colds, sore throats and other infections.(1) It is used in medicine as a astringent or antiseptic. (1) Besides having strong medicinal purposes, it also has a strong fragrance that can be used in perfumes or pot-pourri. (1) It also produces edible parts of the plant, a sweet manna-like substance that is scraped off the leaves and eaten. (1) An oleo- resin can be extracted from the tree or by making incisions in the trunk. This resin contains tannin which can be used internally in the treatment of diarrhea and bladder inflammation or externally it is applied to cuts. (1) While the tree is used for mainly medicinal purposes, it is also harvested for timber. The tree can be used for beekeeping for it produces a good bee crop from the nectar-rich flowers (the honey produced is of high quality and quantity). (3)
Height:
50 - 100 feet
Width:
20 - 50 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Winter
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
White
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
