Common Name: Cabbage Gum

General Information

Eucalyptus pauciflora is an evergreen tree with a spreading crown; it usually grows from 10 - 20 metres tall, with occasional specimens reaching 30 metres. At higher elevations it is commonly a shrub or low twisted tree much buffeted by the wind. The trunk may reach 100 cm in diameter, it is often short, crooked and strongly branched from near the base[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. It is grown in shelterbelts and is also used as an ornametal[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

Australia - Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, southeastern Queensland

Habitat

Upper mountain slopes and ridges which are covered with snow annually, also in broad valleys and tablelands, often the first tree on the edges of frosty, treeless valleys in the Great Dividing Range; at elevations up to 1,800 metres[, , ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	12.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Eucalyptus pauciflora is native to the temperate climate of southeastern Australia, where it is found at elevations up to 1,800 metres. Rainfall can occur all year round, with a mean annual rainfall within the range 625 - 1,250mm and a non-severe dry season of up to 4 months. The mean maximum temperature of the hottest month is 28°c; mean minimum temperature of the coldest month ranges from -2 to +2 °c, and there are generally around 50 - 100 frosts a year[]. A fairly cold-hardy species, the dormant tree tolerates long periods down to -8°c and short periods to -14°c[], though it should not be planted in a frost pocket[]. The young growth is more tender, however, and can be severely damaged at -1°c[]. The subspecies niphophila is perhaps the hardiest species in this genus, it tolerates long periods down to -14°c and short periods as low as -20°c[, ].
Prefers a sunny position in a moderately fertile well-drained moisture retentive circum-neutral soil[]. Succeeds in most soils but dislikes chalk or clay soils[]. Tolerates poor soils, especially those low in mineral elements[]. Tolerant of dry soils, drought and exposed maritime positions[, ], though its foliage may be burnt in such a position. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 6.5, tolerating 5 - 7[].
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 very limited potential as a crop. If protection forests must be planted in snow country, there are probably better species; it is a reasonable ornamental tree.. There is a good plantation in southern Brazil; and it is successful in places in Europe[].
The subspecies niphophila is a very ornamental tree[]. It grows very slowly in its first 2 or 3 years but is then capable of growing 1 metre or more a year[]. It has been known to self-sow in Devon, southwestern England[].
In Australia niphophila usually regenerates from the base after forest fires[].
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[].
Plants are shallow-rooting and, especially in windy areas, should be planted out into their permanent positions when small to ensure that they do not suffer from wind-rock[]. They strongly resent root disturbance and should be container grown before planting out into their permanent position[]. This is one of the few eucalypts that can be transplanted easily as large specimens because it has a fibrous root system[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The following report is for the subspecies niphophila:-

Eucalyptus leaves are a traditional Aboriginal herbal remedy. The essential oil found in the leaves is a powerful antiseptic and is used all over the world for relieving coughs and colds, sore throats and other infections[]. The essential oil is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter cold remedies[].
An essential oil obtained from the leaves is antiseptic[]. The essential oil obtained from various species of eucalyptus is a very powerful antiseptic, especially when it is old, because ozone is formed in it on exposure to air. It has a decided disinfectant action, destroying the lower forms of life[]. The oil can be used externally, applied to cuts, skin infections etc, it can also be inhaled for treating blocked nasal passages, it can be gargled for sore throat and can also be taken internally for a wide range of complaints[]. Some caution is advised, however, because like all essential oils, it can have a deleterious effect on the body in larger doses[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Fairly tolerant of maritime exposure, though the foliage may be burnt by stronger winds. It can be grown as part of a shelterbelt in maritime areas[].
The flowers are rich in nectar and are a good bee crop[].

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 can contain from 0.4 - 2.1% (1.4 - 3.4% dry weight) essential oil. The main components vary considerably between different forms but include pinene, phellandrene, 1,8-cineole, piperitone, eudesmol[].
The leaves of subspecies niphophila yield between 0.7 and 0.8% essential oil. It is a good antiseptic[]. The essential oil is an effective inhibitor of hydrochloric acid corrosion when coated over steel[].

The pinkish brown wood is light in weight, comparatively soft, moderately strong, not durable. It is apt to warp and has many gum veins. It is little used except for fence rails etc[, ].
The wood is a good source of fuel[, ].

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[].