Tree Friend – Eureka Lemon
Eureka Lemon
Average expected life of tree: 50 years
Years until trees first fruit:
- 4-5 years
- Most Eureka saplings are sold at 3-4 years and are grafted
Season of year when productive tree fruits:
- 2-3 fruitings – autumn, winter and into spring
- Primary fruiting occur in late winter into spring in NSW coastal climates
- Evergreen tree, leaves available all year round (see uses)
Expected or average number years tree expected to fruit for once it begins: 45-46 years
Country/area of origin: The origin of the lemon is unclear, most suggest India or South East Asia. The original ‘Eureka’ lemon is believed to have been derived, in California, from an Italian breed of lemon called ‘Lunario’, from Sicily. This lemon was called by Thomas Garey, ‘Garey’s Eureka’. The ‘Lambert Eureka’ is a chance seedling found in 1940 on the property of Horace Lambert in Taree, New South Wales and the ‘Taylor Eureka’ from Crowsnest, NSW. These two Eureka Lemon breeds may be found in backyards now, a new clone called the ‘Allen Eureka’ is now the most widely available since the new clone became available in 2004. The Eureka Lemon is a vigorous and productive in appropriate warm climates, particularly coastal NSW.
Average annual rainfall in area of origin:
1073.8mm-1139.3mm in Taree, NSW Coastal NSW has highest fruiting for Eureka Lemon
Names of tree and family:
Family Name: Rutaceane Common
Name of Family: Rue or citrus
Latin Name: Citrus limon ‘Eureka’
Common Name: Eureka Lemon
Most Useful Zone: Zone 1 and 2
Height, width and shape of tree at maturity:
Height: 4-6 meters, can be pruned to 2-4 meters (useful trained height 4 meters – see illustration)
Profile rounded and overhanging: 3-5 meters
Diameter of trunk: 20-45 cm – may have multiple trunks, close together.
Tree Form: Oval without pruning
Products, benefits, useful or interesting facts about of tree:
Notes:
- Eureka Lemon high yield lemon tree for warmer climates
- Good Companion plants for lemon trees, to protect and feed:
Nasturtiums – also useful for protecting the lemon tree from pests Peas, beans and other legumes, (nitrogen fixer good for feeding the lemon tree), Lemon Balm, parsley and tansy – all of which attract wasps that hunt pests that attack lemon trees. Yarrow Dill and fennel attract ladybugs and lacewings that are known predators of aphids. - Lemon tree clippings can be used for fire kindling.
- Lemon tree leaves can be used for their aromatics in curries and can be roasted, steamed or grilled with fish and meat.
- Leaves can be used for tea infusion, may assist with insomnia.
- Citrus wood can be used for smoking foods for preservation purposes, campfires and woodwork, though not commonly used.
- The lemon fruit itself has broad health benefits, including, being a digestive, high in Vitamin C, skin health, antiseptic and coagulant (stop bleeding) properties.
- Good shade tree, particularly for kitchen garden.
Challenges or special requirements, such as needing other varieties in order to fruit:
- Intolerant to Frost;
- Avoid over pruning in tropics and subtropical climates.
- Fertilise in early spring and Late Summer.
- Avoid over watering (as with all citrus).
- Requires excellent drainage necessary with shallower root systems; if grafted, check root system of stock.
- This tree is self-pollinating.
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