Lemon Myrtle – Our Signature Farm Crop

A native Australian botanical woven through our land, our food, and your experience at Wildhorse Homestead.

Grown, wild-harvested and shared from our homestead, Lemon Myrtle is more than a flavour—it’s a connection to land, tradition and slow living.

WHAT IS LEMON MYRTLE?

Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is a native Australian rainforest tree found along the east coast of Queensland and NSW. Its leaves contain one of the highest natural concentrations of citral—responsible for its intense, clean lemon aroma.

Traditionally used by Indigenous Australians for food and healing, Lemon Myrtle is now celebrated globally for its versatility in cooking, wellness and natural living.

Lemon Myrtle Tree

WHAT MAKES THIS TREE SPECIAL

Native to Australian rainforest ecosystems | Naturally high in citral (90–98%) |Used for thousands of years | Grows abundantly across our homestead

OUR FARM & HARVESTING STORY

At Wildhorse Homestead, Lemon Myrtle grows naturally throughout the gardens, along walkways, and down by the creek.

Guests are invited to:

  • Walk the land
  • Harvest fresh leaves
  • Cook with ingredients picked just moments before

We care for our trees using:

  • Chemical-free growing practices
  • Minimal intervention (allowing natural resilience)
  • Selective pruning to encourage regeneration
  • Respectful harvesting that protects long-term growth

BENEFITS OF LEMON MYRTLE

Lemon Myrtle is valued for both its flavour and functional properties:

🌿 Antimicrobial & Antibacterial
Studies show activity against bacteria and fungi, making it useful in food, skincare and cleaning.

🌿 Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant
Rich in phenolic compounds that support overall wellness and reduce inflammation.

🌿 Digestive Support
Traditionally used to calm the stomach and ease bloating.

🌿 Mood & Aromatherapy Benefits
Its uplifting citrus aroma promotes calm and clarity.

🌿 Nutrient Rich
Contains vitamins and minerals including zinc, magnesium and vitamin E.

Pure Australian Native lemon myrtle leaf tea from Queensland, Australia.

Week 29 Journal: When New Life Doesn’t Go to Plan

Some weeks on a homestead quietly become part of your story forever. Not because everything unfolded the way you imagined, but because they remind you how fragile life can be, how resilient nature is, and how extraordinary it feels when a community quietly gathers around you when you need it most. This was one of those weeks. It was a week filled with new life, difficult decisions, little victories, and countless reminders that the best moments on the land rarely arrive without a few challenges along the way.

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