Lemon-scented Bottlebrush
Callistemon citrinus

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

An erect shrub or small tree. It grows 2-6 m high. The branches are rigid. The leaves are broadly sword shaped. They are 3-7 cm long and 8 mm wide. They have a prominent midrib ending in a small point. The bruised leaves have a lemon scent. The flowers are deep red and in dense spikes. These are 6-10 cm long and 6 cm wide. The fruit is a woody capsule 7 mm across. It is rounded but slightly flattened at the top.

There are about 25-30 Callistemon species.

Where it is found

It is common in coastal districts. It is usually in swampy situations and along streams. It can grow in moderate to poor soils as long as they are well-drained. It needs full sun. It can stand some coastal exposure. It is moderately salt tolerant. It can stand temperatures down to near 0°C. It suits hardiness zones 8-11. Adelaide Botanical Gardens. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), Canada, East Africa, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Marquesas, Mediterranean, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, North America, Pacific, Pakistan, SE Asia, Tanzania, Tasmania, United Arab Emirates, UAE, USA

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Nectar, leaves - tea

How it is grown

They can be grown from seed or tip cuttings. It can also be grown by air-layering.

It is fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Crimson Bottlebrush, Fershet al-zejaj, Kalki phul, Payoksi-bin, Pohon sikatbotol merah, Scarlet bottlebrush

Synonyms

Callistemon citrinus var. splendens Stapf; Callistemon laevis Stapf [Invalid]; Melaleuca citrina (Curtis) Dum.Cours.; Metrosideros citrina Curtis; Callistemon lanceolatus DC;