Myrtaceae

bridgesiana — after F. Bridges, the Chief Inspector of Education in NSW during the nineteenth century.

The common name refers to its similarity to the Rough-barked Apple (Angophora floribunda).

Distinguished from Long-leaf Box (E. goniocalyx) and Silver Bundy (E. nortonii) by its fruit, which are smaller and not as ‘blocky’, its habit and habitat.

Widespread, in most areas on drier flats and lower slopes. Found in hills of higher rainfall areas.

Qld, NSW, Vic.

Grassy woodland on drier sites, often shallower soils on slopes, and creeklines in lower rainfall areas.

Tree to 20 m high with fibrous-flaky bark persistent on trunk and larger branches. Large crown of heavy green semi-glossy leaves.

Well-drained heavy soils. Tolerates moderate frost and drought.

Moderate growth rate.

White, late summer-autumn. Regular and profuse. Buds appear in summer and are carried for about a year.

Generally winter-spring. Monitor seed-bearing capsules. Store seeds at room temperature.

From seed (± 366 viable seeds per gram). 25°C is optimum germination temperature.

Regenerates well from seed. Can regenerate in weedy areas or those dominated by competitive exotic grasses.

Useful medium-level cover in windbreaks. Excellent shade due to large spreading crown. Seems to tolerate pressure from stock camps compacting the soil and raising soil fertility. Nonetheless, fencing recommended to preserve trees and encourage regeneration.

Useful in gully erosion control as back-up to fibrous-rooted understorey shrubs.

Excellent habitat. Flowers a food source for many insects, which attract insect-eating birds. Good nectar flows, favoured by bees. Yellow-bellied Gliders occasionally gouge through bark on trunk to obtain sap, and search for large wood-boring insect larvae. Squirrel Gliders and Sugar Gliders may obtain sap and insect larvae. Wombats occasionally dig down and chew roots. Refuge and nesting sites for many hollow-dependent birds and mammals.

Burns readily, but generally not regarded highly as fuel.

Too soft and brittle to be useful.

Ornamental for larger gardens and parks, particularly in juvenile foliage stage.

Leaves produce red dye with alum as mordant.