Acronychia acidula

Commonly called Lemon Aspen, Acronychia acidula is a large leaved small tree from the northern parts of Queensland.

Grown for the small fruits which ripen in winter it is a tree with large attractive foliage so also has its place in the garden.

The fruits have a distinct lemon flavour and are widely used as a bush food.

Lots of recipes are available and a popular method of preparing it is to cook it down with a little water until the fruit is just soft. Use a blender, stick mixer or sieve to create a puree which can them be used to flavour cakes as well as savoury dished where the distinct lemon flavour is required.

A Lemon Aspen Butter Sauce for use with fish or chicken is a popular recipe. Lemon Aspen Garlic Aioli is another, widely used with prawns.

Care

If you are interested in growing the Lemon Aspen tree it is possible to grow it outside its natural range. Although it is regarded as a tropical to sub tropical species it will grow well as far south as Melbourne in the right conditions. This is a tree that can reach 15 to 20 metres in height, it is easily pruned to around 3 – 5 metres.

Best grown in a sheltered warm position with afternoon part shade. A well drained soil that has some moisture is essential.

Summary Information

• Botanical Name – Acronychia acidula
• Common Name – Lemon Aspen.
• Family – Rutaceae
• Origins – Northern Queensland
• Height – To around 15 metres.
• Spread – To around 5 m
• Growth rate – Medium to fast.
• Position – Light shade.
• Soil – Free draining sandy.
• Flowers – White felled by small fruit..
• Flowering Time – Summer to Autumn
• Foliage – Large deep green.
• Frost tolerant – No
• Drought tolerant – No

Lemon Aspen plants are available for sale from the following nurseries