Eucalyptus citriodora ( Lemon Scented Gum ) is an evergreen tree that is native from northern New South Wales to Cooktown in Queensland. Lemon Scented Gums are popular due to their citrus scented leaves and fast growing habit. They also produce a fine honey and is widely grown for its wood which is used in construction, tool making and as a quality firewood. The leaves are also crushed and used as an insect repellent.
Suitable for Temperate, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
The essential oil of Lemon Scented Gums consist of 80% citronellal (Citronella) which is commercially cultivated in Brazil and China. Citronella is commonly used in perfumes, pot pourri collections and as an insect repellent.
Kings Park in Perth, Western Australia has avenue dedicated to Lemon Scented Gums.
Growth
Eucalyptus citriodora is a popular native gum tree that grows to a height of up to 40 metres (131 feet). In suburban areas the maximum height is usually 5-15 metres (10-25 feet). Established mature trees tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and climates but younger plants can be fussy. Seed germination is relatively easy but it is the seedlings that can be a challenge. Grow them in forest tubes as they progress as Lemon Scented Gums seedlings do not enjoy drying out. Nor do they like too much water. It is finding that balance that is the challenge.
Using vermiculite, a substance that holds water can certainly improve results. As can automatic watering as used in commercial nurseries.
Lemon Scented Gums have egg to lance shaped leaves that produce fine little hairs (younger trees). Flower buds are borne in leaf axils and begin blooming white flowers in summer.
The growth rate of Lemon Scented Gums is impressive, can be up to 2 metres (7 feet) per year. As a sustainable firewood solution they are ideal as trees can reach heights of up to 20 metres (65 feet) in just ten years.
FAMILY:
Myrtaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-5 to 25°C / 23 to 77°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 45 metres (150 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 8 metres (25 feet)
pH:
5.5-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
10-15 years
GERMINATION RATES:
82%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 60
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes
FACTS ABOUT EUCALYPTUS CITRIODORA (Lemon Scented Gum)
Lemon Scented Gum is more often given the botanical name Corymbia citriodora which is the correct synonym of Eucalyptus citriodora.
Due to its straight growth, the wood of Lemon Scented Gums is commonly used for beams, bridges, poles, containers, flooring and tool-handles. Their flowers are important for attracting bees and produces a popular strain of honey.
The potent oil derived from the leaves is grown specially for use in cosmetics, medicines and insect repellents. They are also an ingredient of Pot-pourri while the bark has a high 12% tannin and is an excellent source of firewood.
FACTS ABOUT EUCALYPTUS TREES IN GENERAL
Every year Eucalyptus trees add a new layer of bark and the outmost layer dies and peels off.
Eucalyptus trees make up around 75% of Australia’s forests and have adapted to the seasonal bushfires with the ability to re-sprout directly after a fire.
The word Eucalyptus is from two words from Ancient Greece translated to good conceal or well hidden. This refers to the operulum covering over the flower buds during spring and summer.
During Captain Cook’s third voyage to Australia in 1777, David Nelson collected the first Eucalyptus specimen to reach Europe. Eucalyptus trees in Australia take up an area bigger than New South Wales and over seven times the size of England.
The majority of Eucalyptus species do well in a wide range of climates and most can withstand a light frost of −5 °C (23 °F).
