Eucalyptus radiata

Common Name: Narrow-leaved Peppermint / Grey-leaved Peppermint

Height: 12-45 metres.

Spread: 10 metres.

Habit: Medium tree.

Family: Myrtaceae

Origin/Habitat: Common and widespread in foothills and mountains to 1200 metres.

Foliage: Adult leaves 8-16cm in length, width mainly less than 2cm, dull grey-green in colour with numerous oil dots, strong scent, with peppermint taste. Juvenile leaves are opposite, less than 2cm in width and found on rough branchlets.

Flowers: Oct-Jan. White in colour.

Other features for identification: Bark is grey brown in colour, and sub-fibrous (not stringy) to small branches. Buds are found in clusters of 8-16. Fruit is small, and has 3-4 valves.

Soil preferences: Fertilise at plant out with 15gm of 18:2.6:10 N.P.K slow release. Prefers moist, well drained or dry soils.

Cultural tolerances: Requires full sun. Very resistant to frost, and resistant to drought. Wind tolerance – can be placed in the front line of a wind break.

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

Uses:   Firewood & Timber

Other: High fire risk. Wood can be used as fuel, but burns quickly; also in light construction or as pulpwood. Good shade tree.

Propagation: By seed.