Australian myrtle

The Australian myrtle leaf (Backhousia myrtifolia) is a rich source of phenylpropanoid essential oils, particularly elemicin and methyl eugenol (Brophy et al. 1995). 

The myrtle family provides a number of important timber qrecies, including those of the genera Eucalyptus and Melaleuca. Eucalyptus provided the Australian aborigines the oppoitunity to make di es and canoes. The roots of some species were used for food. 

Burke, B. E Baillie, J-E., Olson, R. D. 2004. Essential oil of Australian lemon myrtle Backhousiacitriodord) in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children. 58 245-247. 

Hayes, A. J., Markovic, B. 2002. Toxicity of Australian essential oil Backhousia citriodora (Lemon myrtle). Part 1. Antimicrobial activity and in vitro cytotoxicity. 40 535-543. 

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