Lovely Lemon Myrtle 

PLANT OF THE MONTH: LEMON SCENTED MYRTLE

(Backhousia citriodora)

Under her branches the dry crunchy bronze leaves crackle as I walk by, the scent of summertime fills the warm air. The strong aromatic lemon flavours of this Australian rainforest tree taste like Christmas time BBQs. Throw a branch on the camp fire, put some leaves in the tea pot.

I am blessed to have two mature Lemon Myrtle trees in my garden, and on the day of the Summer Solstice, they both exploded with the most enchanting display of flowers!

I plucked some blossoms for a closer look – the sweet blooms were teeming with bugs of all kinds – even my chickens could not help themselves and dived right in to share this experience with me.

Many types of pollinators are attracted to the amazing nectar (including flower beetles and native bees) – they know that this tree is very special!

The Lemon Myrtle tree contains very useful and somewhat magical medicine. Her leaves contain high quantities of Citral which can be extracted as a beautiful and pure essential oil. It’s properties are cleansing, astringent, antiseptic, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, expectorant and calmative – as such it is used in many applications – in cleaning and healing.

Isabell Shippard (local herb legend) says that high citral content of Lemon Myrtle can enhance a healthy immune system, can be

used to support the circulation and digestive systems, can trigger a release of endorphins that stimulate pleasure and happiness (and even reduce pain!)

Looking around my abode – it seems noteworthy that lemon scented myrtle is in my locally made detergents and soaps in my bathroom and laundry (Kin Kin Naturals), it is in the toothpaste that I learned to make at a wildcrafting workshop (thank you Heidi Merika), it is a staple in my kitchen- used to flavour anything that wants that zesty, tangy Lemon note (especially when lemons are out of season!). It has huge commercial economic value!

The tree herself – can be grown in almost any space, by anyone.

She will grow in a pot or container very well. She can be kept pruned, low and bushy, for a small back yard, or ...she can be set free to grow tall and proud in larger gardens and public spaces.

The trees that grow in my garden are a legacy of local permaculture pioneer Elizabeth Bucciarelli. She had the foresight to plant these trees knowing that they would be of great use to her children and those who came to use this land after she had passed.

I truly believe that planting useful, medicinal, native trees is one of the most valuable contributions that you can

gift to future generations. The Lemon Scented Myrtle tree is a fantastic choice – you just can’t go wrong with a tree like this – and that’s why she is the January Plant of the Month! Did you know that there is a local commercial Lemon Myrtle plantation/farm (at Goomboorian, Gympie) they are certified organic and distill the essential oils themselves on site!

www.purityessentialoils.com.au

- Images and article kindly submitted by Lisa Delanoue and her chickens

Editors note: Convert lantana or woody weeds into native trees using the local businesses featured. Natives R Us below and the ForestFarmer opposite.

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Call in and see Jacinta & her friendly staff

97 Thomason Rd, Traveston PH: 0429 513 553 I PH: 5485 1800 info@nativesrus.com.au I nativesrus.com.au

WHO WAS NORM LONG?

Norm Long first moved to Belli in 1953 to dairy. The road back then was gravel with an S bend, the first corner turned left at the family home, then right over a wooden bridge which rattled when a vehicle crossed over. Car rollovers were a frequent occurrence, especially the early model Holdens. Norm was often called upon to help put them back on their wheels, dust them off and send them on their way. That part of the road became known as Long’s Corner. The Bruce Highway at that time went through Belli and onto Skyring Creek Road.

Norm worked at S.T. Adam’s Sawmill in Oakey Creek Road, with the road maintenance team and also cut timber to support the farm. He then started a fuel business which became very successful. He delivered over a wide area and he used to say his customers were his friends.

Shortly after he retired he developed a terminal illness which he fought for 10 years. During that time work began to straighten the road which included a new bridge. He wanted to live to see that completed but he never made it. (Norm passed from this life on 11 December 1994. It was deemed appropriate to name the bridge the Norm Long Bridge as Long’s Corner was no more.

Historical note: The Norm Long Bridge was opened to traffic in the latter half of 2001 after completion in July of that year.

Historical note: The original wooden bridge with concrete kerbing was constructed by K.M. Jensen of Maryborough and officially opened by J.T. Lowe on 23 May 1931. (From the summary included with a photograph in Picture Sunshine Coast collection).

Norm Long’s family contributed to this article with relevant facts about his life and experiences with the old bridge. The Kenilworth Museum appreciates their recording of some of the district’s more recent history.

Assistance from Sunshine Coast Heritage Library and State Library in the supply of photographs and confirmation of facts is greatly appreciated. Lenore Meldrum President Kenilworth & District Historical Assn Inc.

 Photos below from the State Library of Queensland Collections,

Long family collection, Picture Sunshine Coast - published with permission.

RAINFALL MOY POCKET – DECEMBER 2022 by Graham Brennan

This December 57mm. Last December 94mm. 21 year average December 164mm. Rain fell on 10 days, average 15 days. Total rain for 2022 2556mm NEW WETTEST YEAR RECORD! Last wettest year 2010 1920mm. Total rain for 2021 1161mm. Annual Average 1261mm.