‘GIRRI GIRRI’ LEMON MYRTLE Backhousia citriodora Seeds

Lemon Myrtle provides a fragrant herb with limitless culinary potential Rich in essential oils, the Backhousia citriodora plant has been used for centuries as a bush tucker plant With flavours of citrus, lemon, and mint, you can experiment with recipes that benefit from a subtle, earthy flavor

Undoubtedly the most popular of Australia’s native herbs, the plant is sometimes referred to as the Queen of the lemon herbs

White flowers occur from Summer through to Autumn, although the flowers are attractive Lemon Myrtle is grown more for the lemon fragrance of the foliage

It is a medium sized tree or shrub to 8 M tall with a low branching habit

Slightly frost tender when young

Easily maintained and can also be used as a container plant for indoors

Bush food: Lemon Myrtle’s fresh tangy leaves can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes, in teas, syrups, glazes, cakes, biscuits, dressings, sauces, ice creams, dips and meat dishes

Bush medicine: Lemon myrtle is useful for treating bites, acne, bacterial infections and sores, it is also really useful for mozzie repellants

Germination: Soak seeds overnight and sow in trays with seed raising mix, ensuring they are only lightly covered with the mix Position in a warm spot and mist regularly to keep the soil moist Germination can take 3 C8 weeks

Notes: The Indigenous names often have dual meanings such as lemon myrtle’s name ‘girri girri‘ which means both sour and urine