MYRTACEAE

n/a

Tree to 20 m high, smooth, patchy white, grey, brown, or red bark shedding in flakes. Dull green or grey-green leaves. White flowers, mainly summer, heavy flowering every 2-3 years. Moderate growth rate.

Grassy woodlands on various soils, commonly moderately fertile, below 800 m elevation. Tolerates frost, winter waterlogging, and drought. Prefers 400 – 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina.

Collect early Feb-late May, possibly throughout the year, seeds shed after maturity. Propagate from seed (±687 viable/gram), optimum germination temperature 25-30°C. Regenerates from seed in favourable seasons, recovers well after fire.

Medium-level windbreak cover when interspersed with understory plants. Provides fire protection. Useful for gully erosion control. Flowers are food for nectar-feeding birds and insects, hollows provide habitat. Good fuelwood. Timber similar to other Red Gums, used for fencing, construction, and furniture. Ornamental for parks and gardens, best interplanted with native shrubs to minimise pest damage. Leaves produce various dyes.