Common Name: Red Ironbark

General Information

Eucalyptus fibrosa is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 35 metres tall[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, which is used commercially. This is one of three species of tree that produce a much sought-after, immensely strong and durable timber known as 'Red Ironbark'[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland

Habitat

Locally frequent, in wet or dry sclerophyll forest growing on shallower and somewhat infertile, sandy or stony soils[, ].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Eucalyptus fibrosa is native to the warm temperate and subtropical zones of eastern Australia, just entering into the tropical regions of Queensland.
Eucalyptus species generally require a sunny position, succeeding in a wide range of well-drained, circumneutral soils of low to moderate fertility[].
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 has a thick, hard, corrugated bark[]. This species is one of the ironbark group of Eucalypts. The resin exudes into the bark then hardens making the bark very haed and difficult to cut through with primitive tools[].
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

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The flowers are a good source of nectar and pollen for bees[].

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 0.3 - 0.5% (0.1% dry weight) essential oil. The main components are alpha-pinene (7%), limonene (5%), 1,8-cineole (37 - 55%), aromadendrene (12%), globulol (5%)[].

The heartwood is dark red; the sapwood is paler. The grain is close and generally interlocked. The wood is heavy, very hard, very strong and very durable. It is slow to dry but does not collapse appreciably. Due to its immense strength and durability the wood is keenly sought after for piles, poles, sleepers, cross-arms and girders for wharf and bridge construction[, ].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow late winter/early spring in a sunny position in a greenhouse[, , ]. 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. 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[].