Common Name: Small-leaved Gum

General Information

Eucalyptus parvula is an evergreen tree with a dense, rounded crown; it can grow up to 10 metres tall, occasionally reaching 15 metres. The bole is very short, the tree usually branching from near the ground[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its essential oil which is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations. It is grown as an ornamental and to provide shelter from the wind.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Australia - southeastern New South Wales

Habitat

Rare and scattered, in grassy woodland on damp flats in high cold areas; at elevations from 1,000 - 1,100 metres[, ].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	8.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Eucalyptus parvula is native to the temperate climate of southeastern Australia, where it is found at elevations from 800 - 1,800 metres. Rainfall can occur all year round or mainly in the winter, with a mean annual rainfall around 600 - 700mm. There are generally around 100 frosts a year and snow can be frequent[]. When dormant, the plant can survive temperatures down to about -15°c[].
Eucalyptus species generally require a sunny position, succeeding in a wide range of well-drained, circumneutral soils of low to moderate fertility[]. This species is often found in poorly drained soils in the wild[].
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[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is useful when planted in groups to provide wind protection, or in hedge-type rows to provide privacy. It is an excellent tree for cold damp positions[].

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 % (% dry weight) essential oil. The main component is 1,8-cineole (up to 81% in some forms), plus pinene, eudesmol and terpineol[].
The essential oil obtained fom the leaves is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an astringent, deodorant, flavouring and masking agent[].

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[].