Eucalyptus gunnii
| Eucalyptus gunnii | |
|---|---|
| |
| Foliage and flowers | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | E. gunnii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Eucalyptus gunnii | |
| Subspecies | |
|
E. gunnii subsp. archeri | |
| |
| Distribution | |
Eucalyptus gunnii, the cider gum[1][2] or gunnii, is a species of flowering plant in the family Myrtaceae, endemic to Tasmania, occurring on the plains and slopes of the central plateaux[3] to around 1100 metres, with isolated occurrences south of Hobart.[4]
Description
It is a small to medium sized evergreen tree. Older specimens have a short, massive bole and large, spreading branches. The bark is often persistent for several metres as a thin, grey stocking, or shedding all over to leave a smooth, yellowish, patchy surface, weathering to white-, green- or pink-grey.
Leaves are stalked, elliptical to ovate, to 8 cm long and 3 cm broad, concolorous, grey-green and thick. The foliage will change as the tree matures from a round leaf of waxy blue colour to a more elongated rich green foliage in the older tree but if maintained as a shrub the juvenile foliage will be retained.
White flowers are produced in midsummer.[4]
Cultivation and uses
See also Tasmanian Aborigines - Oyster Bay Tribe
This species is noted for exceptional cold tolerance for a eucalyptus (to −14 °C, exceptionally −20 °C for brief periods) and is now commonly planted as an ornamental tree across the British Isles and some parts of western Europe.[5] Fast-growing, it will produce a tree up to 37 m (121 ft) tall when mature,[6] with growth rates of up to 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) (rarely 2 m (6 ft 7 in)) per year. Pruning can be employed to maintain the tree as a small shrub if required and more shaded spots will restrict growth. It does grow on sandy/chalky soils, but prefers a loamy soil; it does not tolerate very wet sites.
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[7]
The plant produces a sweet sap similar to maple syrup, and is being considered for cultivation for this product.[citation needed] When bottled and capped, the liquid ferments and resembles apple cider, hence cider gum. The sweet foliage is eagerly eaten by livestock.
References
- ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Eucalyptus gunnii". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
- ^ "BSBI List 2007". Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 25 February 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2014.
- ^ Kirkpatrick, J. B. & Backhouse, Sue. (2004), Native trees of Tasmania illustrations Sue Backhouse Pandani Press, Sandy Bay, Tas. (Seventh Edition) ISBN 0-646-43088-2. pp. 98 at high altitude on dolerite mountains
- ^ a b Brooker, K. (1996). Eucalyptus. An illustrated guide to identification. Reed Books, Melbourne
- ^ Brooker, M. (1983). A Key to Eucalypts in Britain and Ireland. Forestry Commission Booklet 50.
- ^ Tree Register of the British Isles
- ^ "Eucalyptus gunnii AGM". Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 26 July 2013.
