Scientific Name: Eucalyptus rubida subsp. rubida

Common Name: candlebark

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Myrtaceae

Form Description: Tree with straight, largely bark-free trunk. Leaves: Juvenile – round with a red margin, heart-shaped base and very glaucous blue. Adult – lanceolate, dusty blue-green. Bark: Scaly at the base but smooth white, flaking to reveal blotched reds and pinks.

Height (m): 10 – 30

Flowers: Umbels with 3 flowers – white.

Fruit: Woody capsules with a slightly raised disc.

Municipality
Break O’DayCentral CoastCentral HighlandsDerwent ValleyGlamorgan-Spring BayHuon ValleyKentishKingboroughNorthern MidlandsSorellSouthern MidlandsWaratah-Wynyard
Plant Communities
Dry Eucalypt Forest
Habitat Notes

Typically dominates grassy forest and woodland on poor mudstone soils in exposed situations and in the rain shadow of mountains.

Site Tolerance

Dry, Exposed, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

Useful for providing medium to high level shelter (up to 30m) in mixed species windbreaks on moderately fertile hills. Bird attracting. The trees form branch hollows that provide excellent habitat for many birds and mammals. Rosellas are attracted to the capsules and seed. The flowers and nectar provide food for a range of birds, insects and marsupials. Regenerates well after fire, from lignotubers. Useful for fuel although quick burning. A second-class building timber but has potential for joinery, flooring and parquetry.

Propagation Calendar

  • 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

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Collect capsules and store in paper bags until valves open to release seed. Seed may be collected throughout the year but best time is Feb-May.

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