Eucalyptus leucoxylon
| Eucalyptus leucoxylon | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |    |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 49' |
| Speed: | Fast |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Shelter | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Eucalyptus leucoxylon (common name: yellow gum)
Propagation: Seed - surface sow February/March in a sunny position in a greenhouse[1][2][3]. Species that come from high altitudes appreciate 6 - 8 weeks cold stratification at 2°c[4]. 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[4].
Cultivation: Prefers a sunny position in a moderately fertile well-drained moisture retentive circum-neutral soil[4]. Prefers heavy clay soils but succeeds in most soils, including limestone[5]. Tolerates poor soils, especially those low in mineral elements[4]. Tolerates dry soils and also drought once it is established[4]. Plants grow well in dry-summer climates[6].
This species is not very hardy in Britain though it experiences frosts in the wild[5]. Another report says that it can tolerate temperatures down to about -8°c[6]. It might be worthwhile trying it outdoors in the mildest areas of the country.
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[4]. 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[4].
Eucalyptus monocultures are an environmental disaster, they are voracious, allelopathic and encourage the worst possible attitudes to land use and conservation[4].
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[7]. They strongly resent root disturbance and should be container grown before planting out into their permanent position[1].
The flowers are rich in nectar and are a good bee crop[4].
Range: Australia - South Australia, Victoria.
Habitat: Open woodland in areas with cool often frosty winters and hot summers[5].
Edibility: An essential oil from the leaves is used as a food flavouring in baked goods, ice cream and sweets[8].
Usage: An orange dye is obtained from the leaves and green seedpods. It does not require a mordant[9].
Wood - pale, tough, strong and durable[5].
Pollinators: Bees
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Heavy Clay: Grows in heavy-clay soils.
Known Hazards: Citronellal, an essential oil found in most Eucalyptus species is reported to be mutagenic when used in isolation[10].
In large doses, oil of eucalyptus, like so many essential oils has caused fatalities from intestinal irritation[10]. Death is reporte
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ Rice, Graham. Growing from Seed Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan, 1988.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Holliday, Ivan and Ron Hill. A Field Guide to Australian Trees. Frederick Muller, 1974.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2. Pan Books, London, 1998.
- ↑ Genders, Roy. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale, 1994.
- ↑ Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ Grae, Ida. Nature's Colors. MacMillan Publishing, 1974.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Duke, James. Handbook of Energy Crops. 1983.