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Image Credit: Anna Povey – with permission
Scientific Name: Eucalyptus nitida Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region
Common Name: western peppermint
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Myrtaceae
Form Description: From tall tree to a multi-stemmed shrub. Leaves: Juvenile – broadest near the middle. Adult – narrow to lanceolate green and leathery. Bark: Rough, fibrous and usually dark grey but smooth on the branches.
Height (m): 4 – 40
Flowers: Umbels with 7-23 flowers.
Fruit: Woody capsules – cup-shaped, disc is nearly level.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Locally abundant in the west of the State and on the islands of the Furneaux Group. Grows on poor siliceous soils from sea level to about 400m. Frost tolerance depends on provenance.
Site Tolerance
Exposed, Moist, Rocky, Windy
Soil Tolerance
Loam, Nutrient-poor, Well-drained
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
General Notes
Widespread tree or mallee in south, south-west and north-west of State. Tolerates poor, acid wet soils and exposure. Bee attracting.
Propagation Calendar
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Flowering Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Seed Collecting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Sowing Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Cutting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed Information
Seed Collection
Collect capsules and store in paper bags until valves open to release seed. Separate seed by sieving.
Seed Treatment Method
Cold Some species require exposure to cold before they germinate. These species are best sown in early winter and left to germinate in a shade house.
Seed Storage Life
More than 10 years dry stored in refrigerator at 3-5°C
Seed Treatment Notes
Suitable for direct seeding. Otherwise stratification at 3-5°C for 3-10 weeks or standard. 6-8 weeks to pricking out.
Germination Time
2-4 weeks