Messmate

Eucalyptus Obliqua

Mostly meduim-sized to tall tree, 13-70m, with fibrous bark, generally straight trunk, and moderately dense crown of dark glossy leaves.

Common and widespread in moister open-forests of foothills and mountains (to about 1000m), usually with other species, especially peppermint, other stringybarks, and gums.

Bark: Pale-brown, fibrous and stringy, persistent to small branches.

Leaves: Adult, 9-16cm long, asymmetrical and oblique at base; thick, sub-glossy dark-green both sides; venation distinct. Juvenile, small and opposite, soon becoming alternate and oblique.

Buds: 7-15 per cluster in axils; club-shaped with small cap. Flowers Jan-March.

Fruit: Brown, open texture and relatively light, fairly strong and durable. Important for general construction poles, fair fuel.