Eucalyptus gunnii

Eucalyptus gunnii (Cider Gum or Gunnii) is a species of Eucalyptus endemic to Tasmania, occurring on the plains and slopes of the central plateaux^[1] to around 1100 metres, with isolated occurrences south of Hobart.^[2]

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 & thick. White flowers are produced in mid summer.^[2]

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.^[3] Fast-growing, it will produce a tree up to 37 m tall when mature,^[4] with growth rates of up to 1.5 m (rarely 2 m) 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 not grow well on sandy/chalky soils or very wet sites. 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. The plant produces a sweet sap similar to maple syrup, and is being considered for cultivation for this product. When bottled and capped, the liquid ferments and resembles apple cider, hence cider gum. The sweet foliage is eagerly eaten by livestock.

References