Tall tree to 40 m with a straight trunk and smooth grey bark which sheds to reveal beautiful orange new bark. See ORANGE, think GREY, say PINK (propinqua) – a phrase for remembering the identification. Native in Wyong in New South Wales northwards into Queensland, commonly along the coastal areas. Leaves lanceolate, not falcate, acute, basally tapered, glossy, green (dark), thick, discolorous, 8-14 cm long, 1.5-2.5 mm wide. Petioles 10-15 mm long, narrowly flattened or channelled. Flowers are inflorescences, simple, axillary, 7 to more than 11 flowered, white, or cream. Koalas eat the leaves and yellow-bellied gliders eat the sap. Flowers used by honeyeaters and lorikeets.
Photo: Robert Whyte
Bark
Bark smooth throughout, patchy, matte, grey or grey-brown, shedding in large plates or flakes.
Photo: Robert Whyte
In Afternoon Light
A very attractive wildlife-friendly tree common in bush around Brisbane.
Photo: Robert Whyte
