Family:

Myrtaceae

Eucalyptus bicostata

Eurabbie

(syn. E. globulus subsp. bicostata)

Other Names: Blue Gum.

First Nations Name(s):

Name Origin:

bicostata — from the Latin bi, two, plus costatus, ribbed, referring to the two ridges commonly on the buds and fruits.

Regional Subspecies:

Occurrence:

Regional:

Primarily in wetter areas east of Hume Highway and south of Murrumbidgee catchments.

Australia:

NSW, Vic.

Habitat:

Fertile soils in sheltered areas, in wet forest.

Habit:

Tree to 40 m high with smooth white or grey bark, shedding in ribbons, and long narrow glossy green adult leaves.

Site Preference:

Moist, relatively heavy, fertile soil. Tolerates poorly-drained and boggy soil. Seedlings are susceptible to frost.

Characteristics:

Grows very rapidly when young. Uses large volumes of water, and if grown outside its natural range, summer water shortages may lead to tree death. Responds to fertiliser.

Flowering:

White-cream, Sep-Jan.

Seed Collection:

Early Jan to late May.

Propagation:

From seed (± 109 viable seeds per gram). Optimum germination temperature 27°C.

Regeneration:

From seed, under during favourable seasons such as wet summers, particularly in absence of competitive exotic grasses. Coppices after fire or cutting.

VALUES:

Shade & Shelter:

Useful high-level cover in windbreaks. Casts heavy shade which suppresses most other vegetation.

Land Protection:

Useful in gully erosion control, behind fibrous-rooted understorey plants.

Wildlife:

Nectar-rich flowers food for various insects and nectar-feeding birds. Fruit and seeds eaten by lorikeets, parrots and rosellas. Foliage important koala food. Hollows nesting sites for many birds and mammals. Important food source for the Yellow-bellied Glider.

Fuel:

Moderate. Forms good coals and few sparks. Rates fair in splitting and ignitability.

Timber:

Strong, moderately durable, with light-yellow or brown heartwood. Usually has interlocked grain with distinct growth rings. Density about 900 kg/m3. Mainly used in general construction, for making tool handles, and in bridges. Was used for cross-arms in electricity poles. Increasingly used as feature timber. Sapwood susceptible to damage by Lyctus borers. Can be grown for hardwood pulp or sawlogs. Useful as quick-growing ‘nurse’ crop for Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) which benefits from shelter.

Ornamental:

Useful in parklands where a dense stand required quickly. Generally unsuitable for smaller gardens. Sometimes seen as untidy because its fallen leaves and twigs are slow to decompose. Suppresses most other vegetation.

Other:

Leaves were used in a range of treatments including croup, asthma and colds as a vapour inhalation, and as an insecticide powder or spray. Leaves produce orange-tan dye with mordant alum.