Common Name: Leatherwood

General Information

Eucryphia lucida is an evergreen tree with a deep, compact crown; it can grow from 10 - 30 metres tall, although sometimes it remains as a tall shrub. The bole can be 50 - 60cm in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. It is often grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a hedge.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Australia - Tasmania.

Habitat

Forests, often along river banks, usually at elevations from 30 - 500 metres, sometimes ascending to 800 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Eucryphia lucida is a plant of the temperate zone, where it is found at elevations up to 800 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 12 - 22°c, but can tolerate 5 - 26°c[]. 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[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,300 - 1,700mm, but tolerates 1,000 - 2,500mm[, ].
Requires an open but sheltered position and a light moist lime-free soil[, ]. Succeeds in any free open loamy soil[]. Prefers its base in the shade with its canopy in the light[]. Requires plenty of light if it is to flower freely, tolerating almost full sun if the soil is cool and moist[]. Strongly resents dryness at the roots during the growing season[]. Requires a sheltered position when grown in colder areas[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5 - 6, tolerating 4 - 7[].
The leaves and young shoots are covered with a sticky, very resinous substance[, ].
The honey-like perfume of the flowers pervades the air for some considerable distance[].
Hybridizes with other members of this genus[].
Some named forms have been selected for their ornamental value[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A fragrant resin exuded by the plant is antiseptic, styptic[, ].

Agroforestry Uses:

The flowers are an excellent source of nectar for bees[, ].
Plants respond well to trimming and pruning and can be grown to form a hedge[, ].

Other Uses

The pink to brown heartwood is straight grained with a fine uniform texture. The wood is tough, of medium strength and with visible growth rings. It has good working properties, glues, nails, bends and polishes well[].

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse. The seed should be stored cool and dry over the winter. Germination is usually good[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 6 - 8cm with a heel, early summer/July in individual pots in a frame. Roots in 5 - 6 weeks. A variable percentage succeed[].
Layering in late summer. Takes 16 months. High percentage[].