Acronychia acidula

Lemon Aspen

Commonly called Lemon Aspen, Acronychia acidula is a large leaved small tree found in the coastal forest areas from central to northern parts of Queensland.

This is a native citrus that is grown for the small edible 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/lime/grapefruit taste and are widely used as a bush food.

The fruits can be eaten raw and are high in antioxidants even outdoing blueberries.

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.

How to Grow Lemon Aspen

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, however 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.

Acronychia acidula 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 and dense.
• Frost tolerant – No
• Drought tolerant – No

Other Species

Around 20 species of Acronychia are found in Australia including;

• Acronychia oblongifolia – White Aspen
• Acronychia imperforata – Beach Acronychia or Fraser Island Apple which attracts the Blue Tiger Butterfly

Another 30 or so species are found, mainly in New Guinea the Solomon Islands and through Malaysia and the wider area described as the biogeographical region of Melesia.

Lemon Aspen ( Acronychia acidula) plants are available for sale from the following nurseries