Family:
Myrtaceae
Eucalyptus intertexta
Inland Red Box
Other Names: Red Box, Gum Coolibah, Gum-barked Coolibah, Smooth-barked Coolibah, Bastard Box, Western Red Box, Yellow Box.
Regional Subspecies:
n/a
HABIT:
Large tree 12-24 m high with several trunks. Bark persistent at base, smooth white, or blotched grey or brown above. Leaves narrow-lanceolate and silver-blue. Creamy-white flowers (Mar-Aug).
HABITAT & SITE PREFERENCE:
A variety of soils in Box-Callitris, Callitris mixed, rocky outcrop, Black Box and mallee woodlands. Prefers 300 to 450 mm rainfall in the Riverina region. Tolerates moderate frost, poor soils, and low rainfall.
SEED COLLECTION & PROPAGATION:
Collect seeds throughout the year. Propagate from seed.
VALUES & USES:
Good windbreak species. An attractive ornamental tree, shade, timber, firewood. Inland Red Box is an extremely fire-resistant species. The timber is red-brown, hard, and moderately durable in the ground; used for farm construction. Pollen/nectar for insects and birds. The seeds were sometimes consumed by First Nations People, though it is doubtful they are eaten nowadays. The wood is also sometimes used locally. A small quantity of essential oil is obtained from the leaves. Attractive ornamental tree. Significant for apiculture.