Eucalyptus globulus subsp. globulus
Common names
blue gum
Biostatus
Exotic
Category
Vascular
Structural class
Trees & Shrubs - Dicotyledons
Flower colours
White
Detailed description
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.
Habitat
Terrestrial.
Conservation status
Not applicable
Detailed taxonomy
Family
Ecology
Year naturalised
1880
Origin
Tasmania
Reason for introduction
Forestry
Life cycle and dispersal
Perennial
Other information
Myrtle Rust
This taxon is confimed to be prone to Myrtle Rust (Austropuccinia psidii), an invasive fungus which threatens native myrtle species. Learn more myrtlerust.org.nz
Etymology
eucalyptus: From the Greek eu ‘good or well’ and calypha ‘covered’, alluding to the calyx which covers the flower like a lid.