Distinguishing features
The bark sheds often, peeling in large strips. The broad juvenile leaves are borne in opposite pairs on square stems. They are about 6 to 15 cm long and covered with a blue-grey, waxy bloom, which is the origin of the common name "blue gum". The mature leaves are narrow, sickle-shaped and dark shining green. They are arranged alternately on rounded stems and range from 15 to 35 cm in length.
The buds are top-shaped, ribbed and warty and have a flattened operculum (cap on the flower bud) bearing a central knob. The cream-colored flowers are borne singly in the leaf axils and produce copious nectar that yields a strongly flavored honey. The fruits are woody and range from 1.5 to 2.5 cm in diameter. Numerous small seeds are shed through valves (numbering between 3 and 6 per fruit) which open on the top of the fruit.
It produces roots throughout the soil profile, rooting several feet deep in some soils. They do not form taproots. (Wikipedia)
Size
- Up to 5500 cm (Height) - applies to Typical specimens (though the tallest is 90m in height)
Synonyms
Distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
The natural distribution of the species includes Tasmania and southern Victoria (particularly the Otway Ranges and southern Gippsland). There are also isolated occurrences on King Island and Flinders Island in Bass Strait and on the summit of the You Yangs near Geelong.
There are naturalized non-native occurrences in southern Europe Spain, Akamas, Cyprus, and Portugal), southern Africa, New Zealand, western United States (California), Hawaii and Macaronesia, Caucasus (Western Georgia). (Wikipedia)
