Lower Risk

Backhousia citriodora (Australian Lemon Myrtle; Lemon-scented Myrtle; Sweet Verbena Tree)

This tree is endemic to Queensland and has been in the plant trade since 1933. It has not become naturalised outside its native range anywhere in Australia or the world. It is an evergreen species with strongly lemon-scented leaves, and creamy-white flowers from summer to autumn. The fruit is a nut-like capsule which contains several small seeds. Indigenous Australians have long used lemon myrtle, both in cuisine and as a healing plant. The species is susceptible to the invasive fungal pathogen myrtle rust, which threatens lemon myrtle plantations.