Accession Count: 2
Common Name:
swamp mallee, narrow leafed gimlet
Family Name:
Myrtaceae
Botanical Name:
Eucalyptus spathulata
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The swamp mallee has grayish-green, ribbon-like leaves that are around two to three inches long, and smooth reddish bark. They are tall trees that are considered winter evergreens.
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).
Cultivation Notes:
Eucalyptus is best for screens, backgrounds, and windbreak. It looks best when foliage is left low on the trunk. It is very tolerant of poor soil with low nutrients.
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).
The Eucalyptus has a very picturesque landscape value, that can be a patio-sized tree, and blends well with other desert-type landscapes.
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
Water Use:
Low water Use
Citations:
1. http://ucanr.edu/sites/HodelPalmsTrees/files/186121.pdf. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
2. _https://www.anbg.gov.au/acra/descriptions/acc382.html. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
3. http://www.flemings.com.au/ornamental_details.asp?CULT_ID=EUKDWF. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
4. http://anpsa.org.au/e-tor.html. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
5. Irish, M. (2008). Trees and Shrubs of the Southwest. Timber Press.
6. http://www.pacifichorticulture.org/articles/small-eucalyptus-for-western-gardens/. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
7. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/700.html. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
8. http://www.independent.com/news/2011/jan/15/how-eucalyptus-came-california/. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
9. Jones, Warren D, and Charles M Sacamano. Landscape Plants for Dry Regions: More Than 600 Species from around the World. Fisher Books, 2000.
