Eucalyptus kartzoffiana

Araluen Gum
juvenile foliage of the Araluen Gum
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Eucalyptus
Species: E. kartzoffiana
Binomial name
Eucalyptus kartzoffiana
L.A.S.Johnson & Blaxell

Eucalyptus kartzoffiana, the Araluen Gum is seldom noticed eucalyptus of south eastern Australia. A mid to large tree, sometimes reaching 30 metres in height. The tree features bluish juvenile leaves.[1] A rare species, with a ROTAP rating of 2VCi, with a most restricted distribution. The small populations are threatened by clearing and road works.

The original specimen was collected by Lawrie Johnson in 1968, 6.5 kilometres north of Araluen on the Braidwood road. The habitat is grassy woodland by streams on granite based soils of a moderate fertility. It is quite common in these few sites.[2]

Description

Bark is a rough fawn/grey colour, above is smooth pale grey bark.[3] Juvenile leaves without stalks, opposite on the stem, broad to round of a glaucous bluish colour. Adult leaves are alternate on the stem, 20 x 2 cm long. The same colour green above and below the leaf. A leaf vein travels around the margin of the leaf, a millimetre from the edge. The leaf stalk is flattened. Flowers form in threes. Gumnuts are bell-shaped, around 0.7 by 0.7 cm in diameter.

References & Further Reading

  1. A Field Guide to Eucalypts - Brooker & Kleinig volume 1, ISBN 0-909605-62-9 page 187
  2. "Eucalyptus kartzoffiana, PlantNET - NSW Flora Online". Retrieved 2011-02-18.
  3. http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/profile.aspx?id=10297