Common Name: Bimble Box

General Information

Eucalyptus populnea is an evergreen tree with a compact crown; it can grow from 8 - 25 metres tall. The short bole can be up to 80cm in diameter, and up to half the height of the tree; it is sometimes of good form, though can be poor[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of wood. A useful ormanental plant, it is sometimes grown to provide shade[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - New South Wales, southern Queensland

Habitat

Found on flats that are likely to be flooded in the wet season and to dry out and crack in the dry season; at elevations from 150 - 500 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Eucalyptus populnea is native to the semi-arid temperate and subtropical climate of eastern Australia, where it is found at elevations from 150 - 500 metres. Rainfall can occur all year round or only in the summer, with a mean annual rainfall within the range 350 - 500mm and a dry season that can be severe of up to 8 months. The mean maximum temperature of the hottest month is 33°c; mean minimum temperature of the coldest month is 5°c, and there are generally around 15 frosts a year[]. When dormant, the plant can survive temperatures down to about -5°c, but young growth is more tender and can be severely damaged at -1°c[].
Succeeds in a range of well-drain soils of moderate fertility, and also tolerant of seasonal inundation of the soil[]. A useful tree for black cracking soils in hot areas[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6 - 7, but able to tolerate 5 - 8[].
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 flowers are a good source of nectar and pollen for bees[].

Other Uses

The fresh leaves contain 0.8% (0.4% dry weight) essential oil. The main components are 1,8-cineole (61%), aromadendrene (13%), and alpha-pinene[]. It closely resembles cajeput oil (obtained from Melaleuca species) in odour[].

The pale brown wood is hard, strong and very durable, but not easy to work[, ]. It is used locally for fencing[].
The wood is used for 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[].