Corymbia citriodora – Lemon Scented Gum (Seeds)

Corymbia citriodora – Lemon Scented Gum

Packet of 200-400 seeds.

(5 grams--with chaff--as pictured)

SEEDS: Enough for you to successfully grow between 100-200 plants. Your seeds are of the same stock we use to grow our native plants in the nursery. The success of germination varies with open-pollinated, wild-collected seeds and after years of consistently growing these species in the local area, I have selected the amount of seed you need to successfully grow between 100-200 plants yourself. These seeds are collected seasonally and with sincere cultural and ecological respect. Ordering a quantity according to this scale rather than ordering individual seeds is a better representation of sustainable seed harvesting and success for the grower.

Habit and Habitat:
Corymbia citriodora, commonly known as Lemon Scented Gum, is a tall, elegant tree native to Queensland, particularly the open forests of the central and northern regions. It is well adapted to subtropical and tropical climates and is most often seen gracing streetscapes, parklands, and large properties where there’s room for its striking vertical form. In its natural habitat, it grows in well-drained, gravelly or sandy soils on ridges and slopes.

Place in Local Habitat and Ecosystem Distribution:
In its native range, Lemon Scented Gum provides valuable canopy habitat for birds and insects. Its nectar-rich flowers feed native bees, birds, and flying foxes, while its smooth white trunk is sometimes used by tree-dwelling marsupials for shelter. It is not endemic to southern Australia but performs well in temperate zones with warm summers, where it has become a popular ornamental planting.

Planting Companions:
Due to its height and open canopy, it pairs well with understorey plants such as Lomandra longifolia, Hibbertia scandens, Brachyscome multifida, and groundcovers like Myoporum parvifolium. Surrounding it with grasses and smaller shrubs can help create a layered native garden with good airflow and light penetration.

Human and Wildlife Uses:
The foliage contains citronellal, giving the tree its strong lemon scent and making it a natural insect repellent. The essential oil extracted from its leaves has antibacterial and antifungal properties and is used in perfumes and cleaning products. Wildlife such as honeyeaters, lorikeets, and gliders are drawn to its flowers, particularly during summer blooming periods.

Care Instructions:
Corymbia citriodora requires full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional deep watering during dry periods. Avoid planting close to buildings or small gardens, as its mature height and extensive root system require ample space. It can be frost-sensitive when young, so protection may be needed in cooler climates during early growth stages.

Size, Height, Width, Flower and Leaf Characteristics:
This species can grow to an impressive 25–40 metres tall and 10–15 metres wide, forming a tall, upright crown. The bark is smooth and pale, often shedding in patches to reveal creamy pink and grey hues beneath. The lance-shaped leaves are strongly aromatic when crushed, releasing a sharp lemon scent. Clusters of small white flowers appear in summer to early autumn.

Latin Etymology:
The genus name Corymbia refers to the corymb-like (flat-topped) arrangement of its flower clusters. The species name citriodora means "lemon-scented," referring to the distinctive fragrance of its leaves.

Traditional Uses:
While not one of the primary bush medicine trees, the aromatic qualities of the leaves have historically been valued for repelling insects, smoking ceremonies and making aromatic infusions. The tree’s wood has also been used in construction and fuel.

Planting Guidelines:
Best suited to large gardens, rural properties, or open urban spaces, Lemon Scented Gum should be planted with plenty of room to accommodate its height and root spread. Ensure full sun and minimal soil disturbance near the base. Not ideal for small residential blocks, but in the right setting, it is a spectacular feature tree with immense landscape value and a beautiful citrus scent that carries on the wind.

PROPAGATION NOTES:

For great results refrigerate your seeds for 1-2 weeks before sowing. This emulates an over-wintering effect that helps with germination rates.

Sow seeds in a native-specific potting mix.

A good general rule to follow is to sow seeds at a depth relative to the size of the seed.

(Eucalyptus seeds require a light dusting of soil as their seeds are usually tiny. Warrigal Greens require a 50mm to 100mm depth.)

Keep moist, water daily until germination in 2-8 weeks at a minimum of 15° Celsius.

Reduce your watering amount once germination has occurred.

Sow at any time of the year.