Common Name: White Gum

General Information

Eucalyptus argophloia is an evergreen tree that can grow 40 metres or more tall. The straight bole can be free of branches for 50% or more of the total tree height[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials. An ornamental species, it is widely planted for shade and shelter in eastern Australia[].
The plant has a very restricted range and is classified as 'Vulnerable'[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Australia - southeastern Queensland

Habitat

Open forests on the edges of flats in country of low topographic relief, growing in clay soils and red loams; at elevations from 300 - 340 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	30.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Eucalyptus argophloia is native to the subtropical climate of eastern Australia, where it is found at elevations up to 340 metres. Rainfall occurs mainly in the summer, with a mean annual rainfall within the range 475 - 650mm. The mean maximum temperature of the hottest month is 32°c; mean minimum temperature of the coldest month is 4°c, and there are generally around 10 - 15 frosts a year[].
Requires a sunny position, growing in the wild on grey or brown cracking clays with self-mulching surfaces or on red loams[]. Established plants are tolerant of drought[].
A fast-growing species in suitable conditions[].
The plant develops a lignotuber - this is a woody tuber that starts to develop near the base of seedlings and can become massive in the mature plants of some species. It possesses embedded vegetative buds, allowing the plant to regenerate following crown destruction, for example by fire[]. The tree responds well to coppicing[].
This species has little potential for planting as a timber crop - it appears to be sensitive to conditions in its natural habitat and is also highly susceptible to termites. It may give poor survival when planted away from its native habitat[].
Eucalyptus species have not adopted a deciduous habit and continue to grow until it is too cold for them to do so. This makes them more susceptible to damage from sudden cold snaps. If temperature fluctuations are more gradual, as in a woodland for example, the plants have the opportunity to stop growing and become dormant, thus making them more cold resistant. A deep mulch around the roots to prevent the soil from freezing also helps the trees to survive cold conditions[]. Many members of this genus are remarkably adaptable however, and there can be a dramatic increase in the hardiness of subsequent generations from the seed of survivors growing in temperate zones[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

An essential oil obtained from the leaves has potential for medicinal use[].

Other Uses

An essential oil rich in alpha-pinene (around 65%) is obtained from the leaves[]. It ha the potential for medicinal use, but the concentration of oil in the leaves is low (around 0.6% in the fresh leaves)[].

The heartwood is deep red, hard, very strong and durable . Air-dry density is 1055 kg/m3. It is used locally for fencing and general construction[, ].
The wood is useful for poles, posts, general construction and firewood[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow late winter/early spring in a sunny position in a greenhouse[, , ]. No pretreatment is required, the seed usually germinating within 21 days[].. Pot up the seedlings into individual pots as soon as the second set of seed leaves has developed, if left longer than this they might not move well. Plant out into their permanent positions in early summer and give them some protection from the cold in their first winter. The seed can also be sown in early summer, the young trees being planted in their final positions in late spring of the following year. The seed has a long viability[].