Stinkwood
Eucryphia moorei
Family: Eucryphiaceae
What it is like
Eucryphia moorei is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft 7in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 20
Where it is found
Rich moist soils in forests at low altitudes.
Australia - New South Wales.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The bark contains 7% tannin. Wood - close grained, rather tough. Used for cabinet work.
Tannin: An astringent substance obtaied from plants, it is used medicinally, as a dye and mordant, stabilizer in pesticide etc.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Prefers a moist well-drained soil pretty free of lime. 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. This species is only hardy in sheltered maritime gardens, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c. It grows very well in the mild maritime areas of the country, there is a tree 16 metres tall in Cornwall.
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 Canopy; Secondary;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist