Eucalyptus globulus ssp. globulus

Common Name: Tasmanian Blue Gum / Southern Blue Gum

Height: 25-60 metres

Spread: over 10 metres.

Habit: Large, tall tree

Family: Myrtaceae

Origin/Habitat: South Gippsland, Otways and Eastern Tasmania.

Foliage: Adult leaves 12-30cm, hanging vertically. Thick, glossy dark-green, veins fine but distinct and regular. Juvenile leaves large, bluish-white with waxy bloom, opposite, stalkless on square branchlets. Intermediate leaves may be up to 60cm.

Flowers: June-Nov. Flowers are white in colour.

Other features for identification: Buds are usually solitary, large and warty. Cap has a central knob or point. Bark is rough, dark and persistant at base of trunk, smooth higher, peeling is strips revealing pale shades of grey, blue, cream and/or brown. Wood is pale, hard, heavy, moderately strong and durable. It is used for heavy and light construction, poles, heavy duty flooring and tool handles.

Soil preferences: Fertilise at plant out with 20gm of 18:2.6:10 N.P.K slow release. Prefers moist, well drained soil.

Cultural tolerances: Requires full sun. Resistant to frost; moderately resistant to salt winds and drought. Wind tolerance – can be placed in the front line of a windbreak.

Common Pest or Disease problems: Phytophthora root rot, leaf spot (Mycosphaerella spp.), leaf beetles (order: Coleoptera: family: Chrysomelidae), autumn gum moth (Mnesampela privata) all may affect Eucalyptus globulus.

Maintenance requirements: Low. Add a 9 month slow release fertiliser in spring.

Uses: Firewood & Timber

Other: High fire risk.

Propagation: By seed.