Eucalyptus carnea (MYRTACEAE) Broad-leaved White Mahogany

Plants to Plant

Medium to large tree to 30 m, mostly 10-25 m. Prefers clay soils in an open, sunny position. Grey-brown fibrous bark (stringybark). Thick-textured dark green-blue leaves, frequently tatty, slightly paler below. Can be mistaken for E. acemenoides, a similar species better for honey. Moderately dense canopy. Leaves alternate, semi-opposite on occasions, often curved, base wedge shaped, sometimes asymmetric. Petiole 1-2 cm long. Seedling and juvenile leaves dull green above, paler below, opposite for a few pairs, then alternate, more spreading and wider than adult leaves. Used by possums, gliders, koalas, blossom bats, native bees and European honey bees, many insects and birds. Used for timber.

Photo: Robert Whyte

Flower Close-up

Whitish flowers in groups of seven or more in umbels often clustered towards the end of branchlets spring through summer, can be affected by seasonal conditions. Locally common on shallow sandy loams and stony soils on coastal hills and ranges. Its range is Hunter River NSW to Bundaberg Queensland.

Photo: Robert Whyte