Amongst the enchanting world of arboreal wonders, there exists a tree that’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the nose - the Lemon Scented Gum tree, or Corymbia citriodora.
The Lemon Scented Gum tree, native to the sunbaked region of Eastern Australia, can tower up to an impressive 50-meters. It grows with such zeal that you might expect to see it inching upwards if you stared long enough. (It's a magic eye thing, anything's possible with enough eye strain.)
Its smooth bark canvas changes hues from powdery white to shades of grey, and even coppery pink. And the bark doesn't just sit tight; it sheds in patches, giving the tree a fashionably mottled look that could inspire any haute couture.
Now, let’s talk aroma. The Lemon Scented Gum earns its name figuritively. Crush its leaves, and you're hit with a zesty lemon fragrance potent enough to make lemon tarts turn. This scent isn't just a treat for the nose; it serves as a natural insect repellent. It’s like Mother Nature’s own version of Aeroguard. In fact Indigenous Australians used it for everything from headache relief to a natural Vicks VapoRub.
In Australia, it stands as a testament to adaptability, thriving in areas prone to drought and bush fire. Its seeds are cunning opportunists, bursting forth after fire has cleared the competition.
This specimen looked like a shampoo commercial as the late afternoon light flickered and glinted through its smooth green canopy. The bags and the crying inside could wait I thought, this tree needs photographing.
27 янв 2024
