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Tasmanian Blue Gum
"Eucalyptus Globulus"

Member of the plant family Myrtaceae

First collected south east coast Tasmania 1792-93
by Jacques-Julien houton de Labillardiere 1755-1834
French Bontanist, part of First Fleet (Botany Bay,26 Jan, 1788)
40 years unknown, shipwreck found at Santa Cruz

Tall, straight tree 70 metres high
2 metres trunk diameter

rough, deeply furrowed grey bark
sheds strips, higher branches smooth

broad juvenile leaves ooposite pairs square stems
6-15cm, blue-grey waxy bloom - origon "blue gum"

Buds - top-shaped, warty, ribbed,
flattened operculum bearing central knob

Cream flowers produce copious nectar,
strongly flavoured honey.
1.5-2.5cm diameter

takk open forest south-eastern tasmania lesser eastern coast.
King, Flinders Islands on Bass Strait
Wilson's Promontory Cape Otway Southern Victoria

CLimate Range - cool to mild, wet winters
reliable summer rainfall
some parts, frosts and light snowfalls

reccomened parks, large gardens areas non-frosts
easily propigated from seeds

Not considered to be at risk in the wild.

pale hard durable timber
used poles, piles, sleepers

New Zealand, South Africa & America, California
farm windbreaks, forestry, ornamental,
rapidy of growth, straightness of trunk,
strength of wood, adaptability.

Strong vigorous root system, can cause damage to buildings, pipes, paving


INTERESTING FACTS

superstitous belief leaves Blue Gum released magical essence
purified air fever germs (before malairal mosquito disease spread understood)
reality- loss bredding ground due capicity trees evaporate water swampy ground
The...