Other Backhousia
Several species are aromatic; compare flowers and full foliage characters.
Use the botanical sourceCulinary reference
Lemon myrtle.
Backhousia citriodora
Also found as Lemon ironwood · Lemon-scented myrtle
A Queensland rainforest tree with aromatic leaves, also cultivated as a bush-food ingredient.
Sources checked 9 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Other aromatic rainforest trees can resemble it. Confirm a named plant before use.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 34
- People who recorded it
- 28
- Most records (southern hemisphere)
- Jan, Mar–May, Oct
- Records span
- 2012–2026
| January | 3 |
|---|---|
| February | 3 |
| March | 4 |
| April | 6 |
| May | 4 |
| June | 2 |
| July | 2 |
| August | 1 |
| September | 0 |
| October | 5 |
| November | 2 |
| December | 2 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Opposite oval to lance-shaped leaves with visible veins.
- 02
Fresh green leaves, reddish young growth and a strong lemon scent.
- 03
Clusters of small white flowers with conspicuous stamens.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Coastal Queensland rainforest, Australia; cultivated elsewhere in suitable conditions.
Watch the plant stage
Mature healthy leaves during active growth on a known cultivated tree.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Leaf
Use identified food-grown leaves as a flavoring; this is not a guide to essential-oil ingestion.
Care for the patch
Favor cultivated or locally guided sources and respect First Nations knowledge and access rights.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Australian National Botanic Gardens · Lemon myrtleBotanical description, range and documented use
- Botanic Gardens of Sydney · Bush-food gardensCulinary cultivation context
Checked 9 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction