Common Name: Coast Grey Box

General Information

Eucalyptus bosistoana is an evergreen tree with a large, rounded crown; it can grow up to 40 metres tall, occasionally reaching 60 metres. The bole is up to 100cm in diameter, occasionally to 200cm and is usually unbranched for more than half the height of the tree[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, which is traded commercially. It has been planted for timber in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe and South Africa[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Australia - eastern Victoria, New South Wales.

Habitat

Locally frequent, in wet forest on deeper and more fertile soils, often along streams; at elevations up to 300 metres[, ].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	35.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Eucalyptus bosistoana is native to the warm temperate and subtropical climates of easterm Australia, where it is found at elevations up to 300 metres. Summers are usually moist, whilst winters are cool and moist but with a short dry season. The mean annual rainfall is within the range 625 - 1,000mm; mean maximum of the hottest month is 22 - 28°c; mean minimum of the coldest month is 3 - 9°c, and there are generally around 5 - 30 frosts a year, though they are generally not severe[]. When dormant, the plant can survive occasional temperatures down to about -10°c, but young growth is more tender and can be severely damaged at -1°c[].
Requires a sunny position. Found in the wild generally on better soils[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 7, tolerating 5 - 7.5[]. Tolerant of seasonal inundation of the soil[].
The most vigorous of the box group of eucalypts. It could find a useful place if wood of its type is required[].
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[].
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[].
Whilst most Eucalyptus species, grown in small numbers outside their native range, can be an attractive and useful addition to the landscape, certain species (including this one) are more problematic. When grown in monocultures, especially outside their native range, they can become an environmental disaster. They are voracious, especially in their use of water; they are allelopathic, inhibiting the growth of the native flora; they reduce habitats for native fauna; and encourage the worst possible attitudes to land use and conservation[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An essential oil is obtained from the leaves. Total quantity of the oil, and its composition, can vary widely from plant to plant, but we have reports that the fresh leaves contain around 1.0 - 1.5% essential oil. The main components include 1,8-cineole (around 60% in some forms), pinene, phellandrene, limonene and terpineol[].

The heartwood is light brown. The grain is interlocked, the texture fine[, ]. The wood is very heavy, strong, hard and very durable. It is used for heavy construction, piles, poles and railway sleepers[, , , ]. A very valuable and durable piling timber, it can be obtained in lengths of up to 20 metres[].

Propagation

Seed - no pre-treatment is required[]. Surface sow in a sunny position and make sure the compost is not allowed to dry out[, , ]. Species that come from high altitudes appreciate 6 - 8 weeks cold stratification at 2°c[]. 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. The seedlings are ready for planting in the field when they are 25 - 30 cm tall, usually after 3 - 4 months.
The seed has a long viability[].