English: Lemonwood or tarata.
Genus: 200 species.
Region: New Zealand.
Habitat: along forest margins, stream banks; sea level to 600 m; low lying forests, forest clearings and margins; cooler, mature, lowland and subalpine forest; regenerating areas of forest; prefers sunny to part shade; tolerates wind; prefers soil with good drainage.
Ecology: flower weevil, Aneuma rubricale, is a parasite that feeds on the underside of the lemonwood leaves.
Content: octyl acetae, a fruity, Jasmine, herbaceous aroma; terpinen-4-ol, between peppermint and pine; decanol, a fatty, orange blossom odor.
Use: gum, crushed leaves and flowers for scent; for hair oils and perfume; gum for bad breath; gum made a great glue when chewed; for restoration, planting it closer, rapid canopy growth; ornamental for hedging or screening plant
BotanyEvergreen tree; to 12 m tall, 5 m broad; conical when young, rounded mature; starts as a small compact tree, tall branched when mature.
Leaves: mottled yellow-green; curly edges; salient bright midrib; strong lemony smell when crushed.
Inflorescence: clusters.
Flowers: highly fragrant, citrus like; attractive; yellow-cream; between October and December.
Fruit: black capsules; takes between 12 and 14 months to ripen.
Use: great plant for establishing a quick canopy.
Pollination: by insects, birds.
Seeds: germinate quickly.
Dispersion: by birds.