Lemon Myrtle for MCV
Lemon Myrtle, Backhousia citriodora, is also called Lemon Ironwood and Sweet Verbena Tree. It’s only distantly related to the common myrtle, and is not related to the bog myrtle or lemon verbena at all. Lemon myrtle is a tree found in the Australian rainforest in Queensland and Northern New South Wales, now grown in large plantations.
Do not confuse this plant with lemon ironbark, Eucalyptus staigierana, this is an entirely different and unrelated plant.
Lemon myrtle is sometimes grown in pots and outdoors as an ornamental, though it can reach a height of 60 feet (20m). It requires rich neutral to acid soil, and will not tolerate shade. It is easy to propagate by surface sowing seeds at a temperature of 13-15ºC (55-59ºF).
The leaves are used as an ingredient in bush recipes, and also for tea.
Medicinally, it is the essential oil that is used, and this is not difficult to source online. However, it is important not to use it neat, as it is toxic at full strength. At a dilution of 1% it is effective as a treatment for MCV (Molluscum contagiosum virus) applied directly to the affected area.
Given the size of the tree, only those with really large gardens should attempt to grow lemon myrtle outdoors. You can grow it in a pot as an ornamental if you wish, and using a few leaves in the same way as bay leaves for cooking is unlikely to do it any harm.
Related Posts
Lemon Verbena
Bog Myrtle
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December 23rd, 2009 at 08:15
I really like your writing style, its not generic and extremly long and tedious like a lot of blog posts I read, you get to the point and I really enjoy reading your articles! Oh, and merry Christmas!
January 4th, 2010 at 18:26
I hope you had a very good Christmas as well. I had a quiet day. just watching old House episodes, lol. Thanks for your kind words.