Leatherwood
Eucryphia lucida

Family: Eucryphiaceae

What it is like

Eucryphia lucida is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 10

Where it is found

Forests, often along river banks, at low altitudes.

Australia - Tasmania.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

Antiseptic, styptic.

Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.

Styptic: An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.

Other

Rating: 3

Can be grown as a hedge.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

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 the colder areas of the country. This species is hardy to about -10°c, succeeding outdoors in the milder areas of Britain south and west of London. The leaves and young shoots are very resinous. The honey-like perfume of the flowers pervades the air for some considerable distance. Hybridizes with other members of this genus. A good bee plant. Some named forms have been selected for their ornamental value.

Propagating it: Seed - sow February 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, June/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.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Hedge;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

E. billardieri. Carpodontos lucida.