Eucalyptus obliqua|Messmate

Cardinia indigenous plant guide

Description
Tall upright tree with a dense canopy. Fibrous stringy bark to smaller branches.
Size (W x H)
6-35m x 4-70m
Leaves
Broad, egg-shaped, glossy green asymmetric juvenile leaves, pendant, 10-13cm x 3-4cm. Intermediate leaves very large to 20cm. Adult - broad lance-shaped to 13cm x 3.5cm. Leaf curved, much wider above the midvein.
Flowers
Clusters of 7-15 club-shaped buds on stalks, no scar. Flowers profuse. Fruit wine-glass shaped with sunken valves.
Flower colour
White to cream
Flower time
December to March
Growing conditions
Moist well drained soils of foothills and mountains. Frost and snow tolerant. Full sun semi shade.
Commonly used for
Trees medium sized on the lower foothills, taller in the moister mountains. Larger trees are too big for small gardens. Provide good shade. Honey production. Koala food plant.
Available at indigenous nursery
Attracts birds
Attracts butterflies
Photo gallery
Acknowledgement
Thank you to Shire of Yarra Ranges for assistance in compiling this directory