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lemonscented gum

Scientific Name: Corymbia citriodora

Family: Myrtaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Lemon-Scented Gum (Corymbia citriodora)

The Lemon-Scented Gum, scientifically known as Corymbia citriodora, is a striking tree known for its distinctive lemon fragrance.

Considerations for Pets

  • The essential oil extracted from the leaves, containing citronellal, is used in insect repellents.

Considerations for Children

  • Lemon-scented gums are known to suddenly drop limbs.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Corymbia citriodora (Hook.) K.D.Hill & L.A.S. Johnson
  • Family: Myrtaceae
  • Synonyms:
    • Eucalyptus citriodora Hook.
    • Eucalyptus maculata citriodora
  • Alternative Common Names: Lemon Scented Eucalyptus, Blue Spotted Gum, Lemon Eucalyptus, Citron-scented Gum

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Australia.
  • Widely cultivated both in Australia and overseas.
  • Abundant in drier forests.

Morphological Characteristics

  • A tall tree with a straight trunk that can reach up to two-thirds of its height.
  • Can grow to over 75 feet tall and spread half that size.
  • Smooth, pale, uniform or slightly mottled bark, typically white to pinkish-cream in color.
  • Leaves are green and long, emitting a strong lemon fragrance when crushed.
  • Produces cream flowers that appear in summer to autumn, though they are described as small and inconspicuous.
  • Round urn-shaped fruit.

Quirky Facts

  • The lemon scent is derived from citronellal, a major component of the essential oil found in the leaves.
  • Lemon-Scented Gum essential oil is used as an air freshener, deodorizer, and to scent cloth drawers.
  • The tree is known for shedding bark from most or all of its trunk and branches.
  • Known to hybridize naturally with C. catenaria and other Corymbia species.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Scarlet honeyeaters feed on its flowers.

Resources and Further Information

  • Dave's Garden
  • Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth
  • Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne