The correct name for this species is disputed. We are following the treatment in the Kew dataset 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families' (https://wcsp.science.kew.org/synonomy.do?name_id=73663), but some other datasets, including 'The Australasian Virtual Herbarium' (https://avh.ala.org.au/occurrences/search?taxa=Eucalyptus+plenissima#tab_mapView) treat it as a subspecies of Eucalyptus kochii (as Eucalyptus kochii plenissima (C.A.Gardner) Brooker).

Common Name:

General Information

Eucalyptus plenissima is an evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree that can grow up to 8 metres tall, occasionally reaching 12 metres[, ].
The plant is harvested on a commercial basis for its essential oil. It has been recommended for cultivation in Western Australia.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Australia - western Western Australia

Habitat

Plains, tops of hills near waterholes, open paddocks, roadsides, growing in yellow-red sand, red sandy or gravelly loam, grey clayey sand, granite[]..

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	5.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Eucalyptus plenissima is native to the Mediterranean-type and semi-arid climates of western Western Australia, where it experiences hot, mainly dry summers and cooler, moister winters.
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[]
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

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 from 2.2 - 8.6% (dry weight) essential oil. The main component is 1,8-cineole (up to 85% in some forms)[, ].
The essential oil contains a very high proportion of the monoterpene ether 1,8-cineole (also known as eucalyptol). It has a fresh mint-like smell and a spicy, cooling taste. In low concentrations (0.002%) it is used as a flavouring in various products, including baked goods, confectionery, and beverages; it is used in perfumery and cosmetic products, for medicinal purposes and is also effective as a mosquito repellant[].

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[].