Eucalyptus gunnii
| Eucalyptus gunnii | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Foliage and flowers | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Eucalyptus |
| Species: | E. gunnii |
| Binomial name | |
| Eucalyptus gunnii Hook.f. | |
| Subspecies | |
|
E. gunnii subsp. archeri | |
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| Distribution | |
Eucalyptus gunnii (cider gum 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[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 and thick. White flowers are produced in midsummer.[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 (121 ft) tall when mature,[4] 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 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.
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[5]
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
- ↑ Kirkpatrick, J. B. & Backhouse, Sue. (2004), Native trees of Tasmania illustrations Sue Backhouse Pandani Press, Sandy Bay, Tas. (Seventh Edition) ISBN 646-43088-2. pp. 98 at high altitude on dolerite mountains
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 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.
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