About

Boronia megastigma, commonly known as brown boronia, sweet-scented boronia or scented boronia, is a plant in the citrus family Rutaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a slender, erect shrub with aromatic leaves and flowers, the leaves with three or five leaflets and the flowers cup-shaped, dark brown to purplish black on the outside and yellow inside.

How to grow it

This is one of several species of Boronia cultivated for its intense, attractive scent. It is the main Boronia source of essential oils, while its relative Boronia heterophylla is more often harvested for use as an aromatic cut ornamental. All of the organs of the flower contain oil glands and their activity is greatest while the stigma is receptive to pollen, which suggests that production of scent may serve to attract pollinators such as insects.

There are several cultivated varieties which bear flowers of different colors. The two main aroma compounds of the oil of this species are β-ionone and dodecyl acetate. The oil is used in perfumes and as a food additive that enhances fruit flavors.

Where it grows

Brown boronia grows in winter-wet swamps and woodland, mainly in the karri forests and the southern edges of the jarrah forests between Harvey and Cape Riche.

Other Boronia plants

Barbalin boronia · Winged Boronia · Boronia albiflora · Alpine Boronia · Boronia alulata · Boronia amabilis · Boronia amplectens · Boronia anceps · Cyanothamnus anemonifolius · Cyanothamnus quadrangulus · Boronia angustisepala · Boronia anomala