Hortiforum

General Info – Cinnamon Myrtle, Carrol, Iron Wood, Grey Myrtle

The fragrant scent of Cinnamon borne by the foliage of a native plant that is easily cultivated throughout the temperate and subtropical climates of Australia, the Lemon Myrtle is both wonderfully ornamental, practical and delicious.
The foliage of Cinnamon Myrtle produces a delightful aroma and flavour, unsurprisingly similar to Cinnamon. Young, tender leaves are ideal for cooking and can be used as a substitute for Cinnamon quills in savoury dishes such as curries, soups, stews, and sauces, as well as in baked desserts like pastries, pies, and slices, or in sweets and puddings. Cinnamon Myrtle leaves can also be used, both fresh and dried, to make an excellent herbal tea, much like Lemon Verbena leaves. Their versatility makes them an excellent subtropical and temperate replacement for cinnamon. Much like its close relative Lemon Myrtle and other commonly cultivated plants such as Bay Leaf, Kaffir Lime, and Curry Leaf, Cinnamon Myrtle leaves emit a strong fragrance when rubbed or crushed.
The Cinnamon Myrtle is native to the subtropical rainforests of eastern Australia but is quite adaptable to most subtropical and warm temperate conditions across Australia. It can tolerate brief flooding, wind exposure, and moderate drought, though it thrives in high rainfall areas and benefits from supplemental watering. While it is not particularly fussy about soil conditions, the Cinnamon Myrtle prefers a well-draining loam soil rich in organic matter. Being a rainforest native, it tolerates partial shade well, but under full sun, it produces the healthiest and densest foliage.
In addition to its aromatic leaves, the Cinnamon Myrtle is a tidy and ornamental specimen. It reaches an average maximum height of 3 to 5 metres, and its dense, evergreen foliage makes it well-suited as a dooryard tree or for hedging. Like other members of the Myrtaceae family, the Cinnamon Myrtle has attractive cream-colored flowers with prominent white stamens.

Plant Profile/Properties