Family:
Myrtaceae
Eucalyptus oleosa
Red Mallee
Other Names: Giant Mallee, Oily Mallee, Acorn Mallee, Oleosa Mallee, Straggly Gum
Regional Subspecies:
Eucalyptus oleosa subsp. oleosa
HABIT:
Mallee or tree, 3-12 m high. Bark fibrous and persistent at base, peeling in ribbons above. Shiny pale or light green leaves. Sporadic, white flowers (Aug-Mar).
HABITAT & SITE PREFERENCE:
Often in mallee communities. Well-drained sandy loams and loams. Prefers 300 to 400 mm rainfall in the Riverina region.
SEED COLLECTION & PROPAGATION:
Generally from Dec-Feb. Tolerates drought, some alkalinity, and most frost.
VALUES & USES:
Handy for windbreaks, shade trees, and wind erosion control. Valuable in honey production. Medicinal oils can be extracted from the leaves. Timber is hardy and used for fence posts.