These stereoisomers occur as a mixture, often not in equal proportions; e.g. in essential oil of Australian ginger, the neral to geranial ratio is 0.61.

[4][5][6] Further, in the lipid fraction (essential oil) of Australian ginger (51–71%)[3] Of the many sources of citral, the Australian myrtaceous tree, lemon myrtle, Backhousia citriodora F. Muell.

Citral has a strong lemon (citrus) scent and is used as an aroma compound in perfumery.

(Nerol, another perfumery compound, has a less intense but sweeter lemon note.)

[8][9] The herb Cymbopogon citratus has shown promising insecticidal and antifungal activity against storage pests.