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.
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.
Wildhorse Homestead Week 35 & 36 Journal | Spring, Sprinklers & South African Flavours
Spring has arrived at Wildhorse Homestead with blooming gardens, Maremma puppies, a South African braai, fresh turmeric and delicious Lemon Myrtle shrub recipes.
Wildhorse Homestead Week 34 Journal | Puppies, Plants & Plenty of Change
A rainy Sunday, mesmerised puppies, spring gardens, heirloom tomatoes and a homestead built around giving everything another purpose. Join us for Week 34 at Wildhorse Homestead.
Wildhorse Homestead Week 33 Journal | Puppies, Possums & the Little Things That Make a Homestead Feel Alive
Follow Week 33 at Wildhorse Homestead as our Maremma puppies grow, the homestead projects evolve, and we battle possums for our peach harvest.