Eucalyptus globulus subsp. globulus
Common name
blue gum
Family
Myrtaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Trees & Shrubs - Dicotyledons
Conservation status
Not applicable
Habitat
Terrestrial.
Features
Medium to very tall tree, mature at 15 m but can reach 70 m. Young and juvenile leaves are broadly ovate to lanceolate, opposite, blue or purplish coloured and borne on 4-angled stems. Mature leaves are pendulous, alternate, glossy, dark bluish-green and sickle shaped. Creamy white flowers are borne either singly or in clusters of 3 to 7 on short stalks. The distinctive woody fruit capsules are conical to cup-shaped, 8-20 mm across, are warty and pale blue in colour.
Manaaki Whenua Online Interactive Key
Flower colours
White
Life cycle
Perennial
Threats
This taxon may be prone to Myrtle Rust (Austropuccinia psidii) is an invasive fungus which threatens myrtle species - learn more myrtlerust.org.nz
Year naturalised
1880
Origin
Tasmania
Reason for introduction
Forestry
Etymology
eucalyptus: From the Greek eu ‘good or well’ and calypha ‘covered’, alluding to the calyx which covers the flower like a lid.