Cinnamon Myrtle - Backhousia myrtifolia

The Cinnamon Myrtle is a hardy, small, evergreen tree that grows 3-7 meters tall, known for its striking scent and wide range of health benefits. This tree boasts dark green, edible leaves and clusters of fluffy, white flowers that bloom during the summer months. 

• Height: Grows 3-7 meters
• Plant Type: Hardy, small, bushy, evergreen tree
• Foliage: Shiny, dark green leaves
• Flowers: Clusters of fluffy, white flowers in summer
• Related to: Closely related to Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora)
• Leaf Characteristics: Highly aromatic leaves
• Edibility: Edible leaves are rich in antioxidants and have antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties.
• Additional Benefits: A valuable tree for providing shade, high-quality timber, and serving as an excellent host tree for orchids.

Preferred Conditions:

• Sun: Prefers a partly shaded position.
• Soil: Thrives in moist, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
• Fertilization: Responds well to an application of fertilizer during spring.
• Protection: Mulch well and protect from frosts when young.

Detailed Description:

The Cinnamon Myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia) is a hardy, small, bushy, evergreen tree known for its striking features and a wide range of benefits. This tree boasts shiny, dark green leaves and clusters of fluffy, white flowers that bloom during the summer months.

Closely related to Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora), the leaves of the Cinnamon Myrtle are highly aromatic, exuding a pleasant scent when crushed or brushed against. These leaves are not only aromatic but also edible and are rich in antioxidants. They possess antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, making them a valuable addition to culinary and medicinal uses.

Beyond its culinary and health benefits, the Cinnamon Myrtle is a versatile tree with additional advantages. It serves as a valuable source of shade in gardens, yields high-quality timber, and even acts as an excellent host tree for orchids.

For optimal growth, the Cinnamon Myrtle prefers a partly shaded position and thrives in moist, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. An application of fertilizer during spring can further support its growth. Proper mulching and protection from frosts, especially when young, are essential for its well-being.

Planting Benefits:

• Aromatic Leaves: Highly aromatic leaves add a delightful scent to your garden when crushed or brushed against.
• Edible and Nutritious: The leaves are not only aromatic but also edible and rich in antioxidants, offering culinary and health benefits.
• Versatile Uses: Provides shade, yields high-quality timber, and serves as an excellent host tree for orchids, making it a valuable addition to your garden.
• Low Maintenance: Requires simple care measures such as proper mulching, fertilizer application, and frost protection when young.