Red-budded Mallee, Thick-leaved Mallee
Eucalyptus pachyphylla

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 1-5 m high. It spreads 2-6 m wide. The bark is grey and peels off in long strips. The adult leaves are egg-shaped or broadly sword shaped. They have a long drawn out tip. They are grey-green. The leaves are 9-16 cm long by 3-4 cm wide. The buds are round or cone shaped. They are 6-7 mm long by 14-17 mm wide. The flowers are cream and 4 cm across. They occur in clusters of 3. The capsules are half round and strongly ribbed. They are 15-17 mm long by 20-30 mm wide.

There are at least 500 Eucalyptus species mostly originally in Australia.

Where it is found

It grows in warm temperate regions. It suits arid or semiarid locations. It needs well drained soil. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It can stand light frosts. It grows in the Gibson and Tanami deserts in Australia. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall above 300 mm. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia (country/location of origin), East Africa, Tanzania

How it is used for food

The nectar from the flowers is eaten or added to water to make a drink.

Edible parts

Honey, nectar, seeds

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Symphyomyrtus