Accession Count: 79
Common Name:
coolibah tree, tiny capsule eucalyptus
Family Name:
Myrtaceae
Botanical Name:
Eucalyptus microtheca
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Eucalyptus microtheca is an evergreen, small-sized eucalyptus tree with linear, blue-green leaves that are eight inches long. Its form is bushy and pendulous, and often multi-trunked, but can be grown as a single trunk.
Compound:
Euc mic
Geographic Origin:
Australia
Ecozone Origin:
Australasia
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Eucalyptus microtheca is an Australian tree, and was first documented by Europeans in the arid southwest region (2). It is native to several different parts of Australia, including: Queensland, South and Western Australia.
Cultivation Notes:
Eucalyptus microtheca can thrive in poor conditions, and is tolerant of alkaline soils, salty irrigation water, and hot or cold weather. As it is drought tolerant, the coolibah tree needs little water, approximately once a month or less. E. microtheca is a messy tree, which can be trained to be a single trunked tree. The coolibah tree can be propagated using seeds or cuttings (1). When the sprouts reach reach four cm, they must be put in a place with full sun (2). E. microtheca is resistant to Texas Root Rot, and not susceptible to chlorosis. Grows best in full sun, hardy to 10°F. Its roots may be invasive under favorable conditions
Ethnobotany:
The wood from Eucalyptus microtheca produces some of the hardest and strongest timber in the world. The wood is difficult to work with due to the interlocking grain structure (3). This makes it unusable for construction, but still durable enough for poles and fence posts. The coolibah tree's wood can also be used for heavy vehicles, specifically bolts, shafts, and wheel parts. Because E. microtheca provides shade, it is perfect for animals in hot climates (1). The Aboriginal people of Central Australia gather and eat the seeds of the coolibah tree (3). In landscapes, E. microtheca is ideal for clumping, or being grown in groves. When planted in groves, the coolibah trees create more shade. The gray color of the foliage provides interest and contrast in a landscape.
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
20 - 50 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Cream
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
