Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp.megalocarpa

Our native gum trees are an essential part of Australian life, particularly for wildlife. While many are too large to consider planting in the average garden some are of a small to medium size and offer attractive and colourful flowers as well.

The red flowering gum, Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. megalocarpa, was recently featured on 'Burke's Backyard'. This beautiful tree produces many large red flowers which are highly attractive to nectar feeding birds. As there is much variation in this subspecies, the flowers of some forms are more pink, others are almost purple.

Plant details

Botanic name: Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. megalocarpa. In its botanic name 'ssp.' means subspecies, referring to a separate group within a distinct species.'Megalocarpa' means 'big flowers'. The genus name Eucalyptus actually refers to the fit of the cap covering the flowers in bud.

Description: Medium-sized gum tree growing to about 5-10m (15-30') tall. Its flowers are highly attractive to the nectar feeding native birds and are seen from late winter and spring to summer. Flower colour can vary from pure white to rich red and even to purple, but are most commonly a light pink colour. The specimen featured on the show had bright red fringed flowers. After flowering, bell shaped seed capsules are revealed.

Uses:

• specimen tree
• as a windbreak
• to attract native birds
• colour in the garden during winter, spring and summer

Likes:

• full sun
• well-drained position essential
• prefers the slightly drier areas but can also be grown near the coast of southern Australia.

Climate: This frost hardy tree grows well in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales. It is seen at its best in the drier parts of Victoria and South Australia. It will also tolerate inland conditions but is not suited to humid areas such as Brisbane and north.

Climate map - Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. megalocarpa

Getting started

1. Grow your own. Seeds of this eucalypt can be purchased from Royston Petrie Seeds at Kenthurst, NSW for around $3.00 per packet. Phone (02) 9654 1186 to order.

2. Seedling trees. You can buy seedlings (tubestock) from nurseries (may vary in flower colour but specify the subspecies name, 'Megalocarpa'). The cost of a 15cm (6") pot can vary between $5.50 to $6.95. Ask at your specialist native nursery or one of the following:

Victoria
Kuranga Native Nursery
393 Maroondah Highway
Ringwood 3134
Phone (03) 9879 4076

Western Australia
Zanthorrea Nursery
155 Watsonia Road
Maida Vale 6057
Phone (08) 9454 6260

Copyright CTC Productions 2006