Eucalyptus punctata is a tree which grows to a height of 30m. It has a fast growth rate. It has a hardiness rating of 9. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by bees.
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Family: | Myrtaceae |
Habit: | Tree |
Height: | 30 metres |
Range: | Australia - Queensland, Western Australia |
Eucalyptus punctata Growing Guide
Ideal Soil and Planting Location
Eucalyptus punctata will grow in light (sandy), medium (loamy), hard (clay) soil. It is important for the soil to be well drained. Eucalyptus punctata prefers dry moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought.
Most soils and sites. Eucalyptus punctata should not be planted in shady areas.
Eucalyptus punctata Cultivation Details
Prefers a sunny position in a moderately fertile well-drained moisture retentive circum-neutral soil. Tolerates poor and dry soils, especially those low in mineral elements. Established plants are drought tolerant.
This species is unlikely to be very cold-hardy. Eucalyptus species have not adopted a deciduous habit and continue to grow until it is too cold for them to do so. This makes them more susceptible to damage from sudden cold snaps.
If temperature fluctuations are more gradual, as in a woodland for example, the plants have the opportunity to stop growing and become dormant, thus making them more cold resistant.
A deep mulch around the roots to prevent the soil from freezing also helps the trees to survive cold conditions. The members of this genus are remarkably adaptable; however, there can be a dramatic increase in the hardiness of subsequent generations from the seed of survivors growing in temperate zones.
Eucalyptus monocultures are an environmental disaster, they are voracious, allelopathic and encourage the worst possible attitudes to land use and conservation. A polymorphic species.
Plants are shallow-rooting and, especially in windy areas, should be planted out into their permanent positions when small to ensure that they do not suffer from wind-rock. They strongly resent root disturbance and should be container grown before planting out into their permanent position. The flowers are rich in nectar and are a good bee crop.
Edible Uses*
* See disclaimer
An edible manna is obtained from the stem. It is sweet.
Eucalyptus punctata Propagation
Seed - surface sow February/March in a sunny position in a greenhouse. Species that come from high altitudes appreciate 6-8 weeks cold stratification at 2°C. Pot up the seedlings into individual pots as soon as the second set of seed leaves has developed, if left longer than this they might not move well.
Plant out into their permanent positions in early summer and give them some protection from the cold in their first winter. The seed can also be sown in June, the young trees being planted in their final positions in late spring of the following year. The seed has a long viability.
Grey Gum Known Hazards
Citronellal, an essential oil found in most Eucalyptus species, is reported to be mutagenic when used in isolation. In large doses, oil of eucalyptus, like so many essential oils, has caused fatalities from intestinal irritation.
Death is reported from ingestion of 4-24 ml of essential oils, but recoveries are also reported for the same amount. Symptoms include gastroenteric burning and irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, oxygen deficiency, weakness, dizziness, stupor, difficult respiration, delirium, paralysis, convulsions, and death, usually due to respiratory failure.
References
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. Author: Huxley. A.
