Eucalyptus robusta
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| Swamp Mahogany | ||||||||||||||
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| Eucalyptus robusta Sm. |
Eucalyptus robusta, commonly known as Swamp Mahogany, Swamp Messmate or Swamp Stringybark,[1] is a tree native to eastern Australia.
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[edit] Description
It grows as a tree to around 20–30 metres tall, with a straight trunk up to 1 metre in diameter. It has long, spreading, irregular branches, and a dense canopy. It has stringy red-brown bark, 10–17 centimetre long green leaves, and white or cream flowers clustered in inflorescences of from seven to 13 flowers.[2]
[edit] Taxonomy
Specimens of E. robusta were first collected by First Fleet surgeon and naturalist John White, and published by James Edward Smith in his 1793 collaboration with George Shaw, Zoology and Botany of New Holland. Shortly afterwards, the description was reprinted verbatim in Smith's A Specimen of the Botany of New Holland, and it is this publication that is usually credited. Smith gave it the specific epithet robusta ("robust") in reference to the size and strength of the full-grown tree.[3]
Synonyms include:[4]
- Eucalyptus robusta var. bivalva Blakely
- Eucalyptus robusta var. bivalvis (Blakely) Blakely
- Eucalyptus robusta Sm. var. robusta
- Eucalyptus multiflora Poir.
- Eucalyptus multiflora Poir. var. multiflora
- Eucalyptus multiflora var. bivalva Blakely
- Eucalyptus multiflora var. bivalvis Blakely
A number of hybrids have been reported.[4]
[edit] Distribution and habitat
This species occurs in swamps and alongside estuaries in a narrow coastal strip, usually within a few kilometres of the ocean, from Rockingham, Queensland south to Jervis Bay, New South Wales.[2]
[edit] Uses
Its heartwood is extremely durable, and highly resistant to marine borers. It is used as a round timber for construction of wharves and fencing.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ Australian Plant Common Name Database. Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved on 2007-07-15.
- ^ a b c Boland, D. J. et al (1984). Forest Trees of Australia, 4th Edition. ISBN 0-643-05423-5.
- ^ Smith, James Edward (1793). A Specimen of the Botany of New Holland. London: James Sowerby.
- ^ a b Eucalyptus robusta Sm.. Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
