Eucalyptus spathulata

Common Name: swamp mallee, narrow leafed gimlet

Family Name: Myrtaceae

Botanical Name: Eucalyptus spathulata

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Cultivar:

Characteristics: The swamp mallee has is a small to medium sized evergreen tree that grows up to 14 m (40 ft) tall and 7 m (20 ft) wide, with smooth, red metallic trunk and a rounded and graceful canopy. With sufficient irrigation they grow 60-90cm (24-36 in) per year. It has dark gray-green, ribbon-like leaves which are 5-7 cm (2-3 in) long. Leaves are simple, alternately arranged on the stems and lanceolate in shape. Flowers are fragrant, creamy yellow and appear in summer. Fruits are small dry brown capsules that develop in autumn.

Compound: Euc spa

Geographic Origin: Australia

Ecozone Origin: Australasia

Biome Origin: AU

Natural History: There are over 600 species of the Eucalyptus. This genus originated in Australia; they were later dispersed to Europe, Africa, India and the Americas. In the late 1700’s European botanists visiting the Australian coast brought samples of the Eucalyptus to London, where they were designated the name: “Eucalyptus”(8). The name “Eucalyptus” is derived from the Greek ‘eu’ meaning well, and ‘calyptos’ meaning to cover, referring to the cover surrounding the flower buds (4). Due to the many uses of the Eucalyptus including timber, fuel, medicine, honey, and medicinal oils, their appeal spread throughout Europe as well as Africa and India. America wasn’t an exception as European settlers brought them along while settling in California. California’s welcoming environment allowed for the rapid growth and propagation of Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus trees of various species are now a significant part of the California landscape (8).

Eucalyptus spathulata, native to Western Australia, is tolerant of heat, drought, light frost, wind and coastal conditions as well as a variety of soils including saline, alkaline, and clay-heavy soils (10).

Cultivation Notes:

This species of Eucalyptus is greatly admired for its graceful, arching canopy, multiple-trunked low-branching form and its smooth, satiny metallic red bark that peels to reveal copper and white tones (10). It also appreciated as a landscape ornamental because of its shiny, narrow deep green leaves, and its feathery crown, which casts a light dappled shade (10). Showy, creamy-yellow flowers also add ornamental appeal and value to bee pollinators. The species is suited for USDA Hardiness zones 9 and higher, prefers full sun and tolerates soil pH from slightly acidic to strongly alkaline (10). It is susceptible to Armillaria, Phytophora, Root Rot and Beetle Borers but resistant to Texas Root Rot and Verticillium Wilt (10).

Ethnobotany: Eucalyptus has long been used to treat cough and cold symptoms. The dried leaves are used in herbal remedies, which aid in soothing the throat and treating bronchitis. Eucalyptus is an ingredient in cough medications as well as ointments such as VapoRub, and Vicks (6). Oil from Eucalyptus gum is used as an astringent to treat plaque and gum disease and is an ingredient in antiseptic mouthwashes used to treat bad breath. Its oils are also an active ingredient in some insect repellants (7).

This species of Eucalyptus, in particular is used for medicinally but is most prized as a medium sized and upright landscape ornamental tree and striking specimen in a desert landscape.

Height: 16 - 20 feet

Width: 16 - 20 feet

Growth Rate: Moderate Growing

Grow Season: Summer

Flower Season: Summer

Color: Yellow

Function: Shade

Spread: Non-spreading

Allergen: Non-allergenic

Invasive: Benign

Toxicity: Benign

Hardy: Hardy