FAMILY:

MYRTACEAE

Genus:

Eucalyptus

species:

saligna

Common name:

Sydney Blue Gum

Name derivation:

Genus: Greek eu - a well, kalypto - to cover with a lid; species: Latin willow-like, an obscure allusion.

Growth habit:

Evergreen tree.

Dimensions:

Height 40-60m, width 5-7m.

Foliage:

Adult, alternate, lanceolate, green, 9-17 x 2-3 cm.

Flower:

Borne in axillary umbels of 7 or more, on a discolorous, flattened peduncle. Buds more or less ovoid, opercula conical. Flowers January to April.

Fruit:

Capsule 4-7mm wide with projecting fruit valves erect to outcurved.

Other features:

Trunk bluish white bark, fibrous bark at base.

Natural distribution:

NSW, Qld.

Soils:

Well drained, sandy loam, deep heavy soils.

Natural vegetation:

Coastal NSW, rainfall 900-1800mm.

Landcare use:

Koala food, fast growing, honey producer, coastal timber.

Propagation:

Seed.

Pests and diseases:

Leaf blister sawfly