Plant
Lemon-scented Gum
Corymbia citriodoraAlso known as Lemon Gum, Lemon-scented Eucalyptus
Lemon-scented gum stands out in eastern Australian woodlands with its towering, smooth white-to-pink trunk and narrow, gracefully arching foliage. When crushed or warmed by the sun, its leaves emit a powerful citronella fragrance rich in citronellal, which acts as a natural insect deterrent. White blossom clusters bloom high in the canopy, providing abundant nectar for honeyeaters, flying foxes, and native bees.
AromaticTall TreeEvergreen
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAutotrophic
Predators
- Koalas
- Ringtail Possums
- Eucalyptus Leaf Beetles
ThreatsHabitat loss, myrtle rust, severe drought
HabitatsOpen forests, coastal woodlands, urban parks
Life span100–500 years
Classification
- OrderMyrtales
- FamilyMyrtaceae
- GenusCorymbia
- SpeciesCorymbia citriodora
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Leaf Fragrance: Crush a fallen leaf between your fingers to release the powerful citronella aroma.
- Bark Identification: Look for exceptionally smooth white, pale pink, or copper bark that sheds in thin curled flakes.
- Observe Overhead: Watch the high canopy in flowering season for nectar-seeking birds and flying foxes.
Close Relative Melburnian / CC BY 3.0 · cc-by
Aromatic Relative John Moss / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative (c) garywwilson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by garywwilson · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Di Turner · cc0
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