Myrtaceae

pauciflora — from Latin paucus, few, and florus, flowered, meaning few-flowered, although this is inappropriate as it often flowers profusely.

East of the Hume Highway at higher elevations.

NSW, Vic, Tas, SA.

Grassy or dry sclerophyll woodland in flat cold sites above about 700 m elevation, on deeper soils.

Tree to 20 m high (and sometimes 30 m), with white, grey or yellow smooth bark with scribbles.

Mountain slopes, exposed ridgetops and tablelands in shallow rocky or alluvial well-drained soil. Tolerates frost, strong wind and long periods of heavy snow.

Fast-growing when young.

White-cream, Oct-Jan. Prolific.

Summer, although seeds generally retained for long periods.

From stratified seed (± 500 viable seeds per gram). Combine seed with moist sand and refrigerate for 4-6 weeks at 15°C. Optimum germination temperature 15°C. Seedlings may not survive in sterile potting mix. Adding local soil should overcome problems.

From seed and lignotubers.

Useful medium-level cover in windbreaks.

Valuable in highland areas for controlling erosion and intercepting snow drift.

Valuable habitat. Hollows used for nesting. Nectar source for native birds and insects. Insect- eating birds attracted.

Moderate value. Used where it occurs.

Light pink-brown, relatively soft, light and moderately strong, with gum veins. Density about 690 kg/m3.

Attractive due to pendulous foliage and colourful pink bark during summer.

Leaves produce yellow dye with mordant alum.