Eucalyptus gomphocephala

Eucalyptus gomphocephala, known as tuart, is a species of tree and is one of the six forest giants of Southwest Australia. The trees usually grow to a height of 10 to 40 m (33 to 131 ft) and mostly have a single stem, but can have multiple stems under some conditions. The crown can be as wide as 25 metres (82 ft). It has rough box-like bark over the length of the trunk and larger branches. The glossy light-green to green adult leaves are arranged alternately and have an oval to lanceolate or falcate shape, and have a leaf blade that is 90 to 180 millimetres (3.5 to 7.1 in) long and 1.5 to 3 cm (0.59 to 1.18 in) wide. The tree flowers between January and April with white to cream inflorescences that form in the leaf axils and are not branched. The fruits that follow have an obconic to upside-down bell shape. Tuarts were first formally described by the botanist Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in 1828. The botanist Jean-Baptiste Leschenault assembled the type collection at the Vasse River near Geographe Bay during 1802, while serving with the Baudin expedition. The distribution range of tuart is along a narrow coastal corridor within the Swan Coastal Plain, extending inland 5 to 10 kilometres (3.1 to 6.2 mi), a continuous corridor south from Yanchep to Busselton. Tuart forest was common on the Swan coastal plain until the valuable trees were felled for export and displaced by the urban development around Perth. The wood has many uses as it is dense, hard and water resistant and resists splintering. Remnants of tuart forest occur in state reserves and parks; the tree has occasionally been introduced to other regions of Australia and overseas. Remaining trees are vulnerable to Phytophthora dieback, an often fatal disorder. It was listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as of 2019.

Description

A gum tree with a straight trunk. It can grow 10-40 m high. The bark is rough, grey and remains on the tree. The leaves are grey-green and curled. The flowers are creamy white and occur in large clusters.

Edible Uses

None known.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

A temperate plant. It grows naturally on the coastal plains of Western Australia. It is often on sand over limestone. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Prefers sandy well drained soils, often over limestone, in sunny positions. Moderately tolerant of saline soil and salt-laden winds. Drought and frost tolerant. Individual trees may live over four hundred years. Carbon Farming Solutions - Cultivation: minor global crop. Management: standard, coppice (Describes the non-destructive management systems that are used in cultivation).

Propagation

Seeds are first raised in a nursery and transplanted after 6–10 weeks. For rapid growth, the planting area must be kept free of weeds.

Other Uses

The timber is a durable hardwood suited to scantlings, structural work, railway carriage construction, boat building, and furniture making. Green wood has a density of 1,250 kg/m³ and air-dried wood a density of 1,030 kg/m³. The flowers are good for honey production.

Notes

There are at least 500 Eucalyptus species mostly originally in Australia.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Tuart. Tuart Gum

References (10)

• Bindon, P., 1996, Useful Bush Plants. Western Australian Museum. p 124
• Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 426
• Bonney, N., 1997, Economic Native Trees and Shrubs for South Australia. Greening Australia (SA) inc. Campbelltown SA 5074 p 98
• Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 571
• Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1992, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 4. Lothian. p 105

More from Myrtaceae

Syzygium luehmannii

Cherry alder, Cherry satinash

Syzygium macilwraithianum

Macilwraith satinash

Syzygium macrocarpum

Syzygium maire

Swamp maire

Syzygium malaccense

Malay-apple

Syzygium mananquil

Manangkil