Scientific Name: Eucalyptus ovata var. ovata
Common Name: black gum
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Myrtaceae
Form Description: A straggling tree or a tall tree. Leaves: Juvenile – petiolate, ovate and dull green or sub-glaucous. Adult – ovate to lanceolate, leathery, glossy and undulating. Concolorous. Bark: Rough and scaly at the base; smooth, grey/copper above.
Height (m): 6 – 30
Flowers: Umbels usually with 7 flowers.
Fruit: Woody capsules – trumpet-shaped with a level disc and 3 valves.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Widespread in woodlands and forests on swampy ground. Frequent on coastal sandy heaths and sometimes forms pure stands on badly drained soils; occasional on well drained soils in mixed eucalypt forest.
Site Tolerance
Exposed, Moist, Rocky, Waterlogged, Windy
Soil Tolerance
Clay, Fertile, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Poorly-drained, Sandy, Well-drained
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
General Notes
Useful for planting in wet areas and to provide dense shade. Also as a second line planting for coastal conditions. Bee attracting. Produces valuable hardwood timber, which is also good for firewood.
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
Standard Scatter seed thinly on to damp potting mix. Hold seed in place by covering with more potting mix to approximately the depth of the seed size.
Seed Storage Life
10 years dry stored in refrigerator at 4°C
Seed Treatment Notes
Suitable for direct seeding. Otherwise 6-8 weeks to pricking out.
Germination Time
2-4 weeks