Eucalyptus ovata - Swamp Gum

Myrtaceae Species - No Shipment to WA or TAS

Eucalyptus ovata, commonly known as the Swamp Gum is widespread throughout eastern Australia and it has several different common names.  In Tasmania, Eucalptus ovata is generally called the Swamp Gum but may also be referred to as the Black or Marrawah gum and is sometimes confused with Eucalyptus brookerana with which it shares a superficial resemblance.

The name Eucalyptus ovata refers to the shape of the leaf, in the juvenile and intermediate state the leaf is oval shaped.

Usually a medium-sized tree, under the right conditions it can reach up to 30m in height. and is often found in swampy areas where it is usually smaller in size.  The base of the tree is covered in rough, dark grey bark extending a short way up the trunk, the rest of the trunk and branches shed long ribbons of bark, leaving a smooth creamy white or pink surface.  Juvenile and adult leaves are rounded (ovate) and the adult leaves are longer and thinner, they are a rich glossy green, alternate (each pair of leaves offset rather than directly opposite each other) on the stem and hang downwards.  The buds are diamond-shaped and have up to seven flowers.

It is a Koala browse as well as an important food plant for Swift Parrots, these parrots only breed in Tasmania.  They arrive here in Spring and feed on the nectar from Blue and Swamp Gum flowers and besides the Blue Gum, the Swamp Gum is the most important source of nectar for swift parrots during the breeding season.  Swamp gums flower from Winter to Spring - earlier than the Blue Gum which flowers from Spring to Summer.

Swamp Gum is frost tolerant and can grow happily in  swampy clay soils where it is suitable as a windbreak or light shade tree.

This listing is for 100 seeds shipped on receipt of cleared funds.