Habitat tree

Large tree to 30 metres high occasionally 40 metres with persistent stringy red-brown or brown-black bark. Common in dry rainforest and moist to dry eucalypt forest. Recognized by the reddish rough bark, discolorous leaves (top of leaf darker than bottom) and funnel-shaped fruits. Found along the coastal areas from Queensland down to Newcastle, New South Wales. Low branching habit and dense crown provides an excellent windbreak. Important local species for insects, birds and mammals, including koalas. Produces a denser canopy than most eucalypts. The very old tree shown here has been a landmark in Payne Road The Gap for over 100 years. In 2023, it was estimated to be 335 years old. See The Gap Rainforest Statement of Significance here.

Photo: Robert Whyte

The timber is naturally oily with a high tannin content and is used for decking and, recently, garden furniture. The colour is a distinct yellowish brown to olive green.

Close-up of bark. Photo: Robert Whyte

Simple, axillary inflorescences, often clustered terminally, 7-9 flowered July to November. Greek eu, well; kalyptos, covered (in reference to the flower operculum); Greek micro small; corys cap, refers to the opercula.

Flowers. Photo: Robert Whyte

Seed collecting and propagation

Seed capsules narrow, conical to pear-shaped, 5-9 mm by 4-6 mm, three valves. Gather ripe, brown woody fruits from the tree or the ground and place them in a bag or container in a warm, dry location. The seed capsules will naturally open and release seeds as they dry. Gently blow away the chaff to separate the seeds, and you can then sow the seeds in seed-raising mix, ensuring they are moist but not wet.

Woody seed capsules. Photo: Geekstreet CC BY-SA 4.0