Contents
Description
Corymbia Citriodora, commonly known as lemon-scented gum or spotted gum, is a tall tree native to Australia. It belongs to the family Myrtaceae and is known for its lemon-scented leaves, which are used for essential oils, perfumes, and insecticides. The tree can grow up to 40 meters in height and has a straight trunk with smooth bark that sheds in flakes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Genus | Corymbia |
Appearance
The leaves of Corymbia Citriodora are lance-shaped and up to 25 cm long. They have a glossy green appearance and emit a strong lemon scent when crushed. The tree produces white, cream, or pink flowers in clusters from late summer to early autumn, followed by woody capsules that contain the seeds.
Care Guide
Corymbia Citriodora prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It can tolerate drought but benefits from regular watering during dry periods. Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer in spring and fall. The tree can grow in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Corymbia Citriodora is susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. It can also be attacked by pests such as borers, psyllids, and scale insects. Regular inspection and treatment with appropriate fungicides and insecticides can help prevent and control these problems.
Habitat
Corymbia Citriodora is native to Australia and grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and grasslands. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in other parts of the world, including the United States.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Corymbia Citriodora be grown in containers?
A: While it is possible to grow Corymbia Citriodora in containers, the tree prefers to have plenty of room to grow and may not thrive in a confined space.
Q: Is Corymbia Citriodora tolerant of salt spray?
A: Yes, Corymbia Citriodora is tolerant of salt spray and can be grown near the coast.
Q: Can Corymbia Citriodora be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Corymbia Citriodora can be propagated from cuttings taken in spring or early summer.
Q: Is Corymbia Citriodora a good source of firewood?
A: Yes, Corymbia Citriodora is a good source of firewood due to its high density and slow-burning properties.
Related Plants
- Corymbia maculata
- Corymbia ficifolia
- Corymbia calophylla
References
- “Corymbia citriodora.” Australian National Botanic Gardens. https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2009/corymbia-citriodora.html
- “Corymbia citriodora (Hook.) K.D.Hill & L.A.S.Johnson.” Plants of the World Online. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77108818-1
- “Lemon-scented gum.” The Morton Arboretum. https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/lemon-scented-gum
