Common Name: Eastern Leatherwood

General Information

Eucryphia moorei is an evergreen shrub or a tree that can grow up to 40 metres tall, though it is often considerably smaller
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials. The wood is of good quality and the tree was at one time harvested on a large scale for commercial use, though now most surviving populations grow in protected areas. The plant is also grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Australia - Victoria, southeastern New South Wales.

Habitat

Rich moist soils, growing as a component of the forest at low elevations, often becoming dominant at higher elevations[, , ].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Eucryphia moorei is not a very cold tolerant plant, being able to withstand short periods with temperatures falling to around -5°c to -10°c when fully dormant[]. ]. It grows best in mild maritime mild, maritime climates[].
Prefers a moist well-drained soil pretty free of lime[, ]. Plants are generally found in the wild growing in sheltered areas in acid soils rich in organic matter[]. Requires plenty of light if it is to flower freely, tolerating almost full sun if the soil is cool and moist[]. Prefers to grow with its roots in the shade and its canopy in the sun[]. Another report says that it is shade tolerant[]. Does not thrive in very cold, dry or exposed positions[, ].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The bark contains 7.7% tannin. Of good quality[].

The wood is a warm, light brown or pinkish-brown colour. It is close grained, free from knots, moderately hard, rather tough. It has been used for construction, cabinet work, axe and tool handles[, , ]. It has been used for the framework of buggies in the Braidwood district (New South Wales). Some boards of it have been worked up in trials, and the carpenters speak in superlatives as to the facility with which it can be dressed[].

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[].