MYRTACEAE

n/a

Upright tree to 35 m high (often less) with grey to red-brown, rough, stringy bark to small branches. Green adult leaves. Profuse, conspicuous, white-cream flowers (Jan-Jun).

On poor, well-drained, shallow soils in low to moderate rainfall zones (300 to 450 mm). Tolerates frost, hot/dry conditions and harsh sites.

Collect mainly in summer, though seeds are held for many years. Extract seeds from old woody capsules by heating in an oven at 200°C for 15 minutes. Propagate from seed (approx. 68 viable seeds per gram). Optimum germination temperature is 16°C. Adding local soil or leaf litter to potting mix may improve seedling survival. Establishes well when direct seeded. Requires fencing to prevent ringbarking, particularly from cattle seeking roughage.

Useful windbreak with medium-level cover. Good shade from dense, compact crown. Useful to revegetate hilly recharge sites. Pale red-brown timber, moderately fine-textured, often with interlocked grain. Used in flooring, furniture, veneers, and fencing. Good habitat, flowers are a nectar source for native insects, birds, and mammals. Native birds use bark for nesting material. Shade for large gardens, but not particularly ornamental Leaves produce lemon or brown-green dye. Kino from bark is astringent. Leaves are a source of rutin.