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Description
Eucalyptus Resinifera, commonly known as Red Mahogany, is a medium-sized to tall evergreen tree native to eastern Australia. It belongs to the family Myrtaceae and is popular for its hard, durable timber and high-quality honey production. The tree can reach up to 40 meters in height and has a straight trunk with a diameter of about one meter. The bark is rough, dark, and persistent, and it flakes off in long strips.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Genus | Eucalyptus |
Appearance
The leaves of Eucalyptus Resinifera are glossy, dark green, and lance-shaped, measuring about 15 cm long and 3 cm wide. The flowers are white or cream and appear in clusters from autumn to winter. The fruit is a woody capsule about 2 cm long and 1.5 cm wide, containing numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Eucalyptus Resinifera is a hardy tree that prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. The tree requires regular watering during the first year after planting, but it can adapt to drought conditions once established. Fertilization is not necessary, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in spring. Eucalyptus Resinifera can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eucalyptus Resinifera is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by scale insects, leaf-eating caterpillars, and web-spinning mites. In terms of diseases, the tree may suffer from fungal infections, such as root rot and cankers, as well as bacterial infections, such as blight.
Habitat
Eucalyptus Resinifera is native to the eastern coast of Australia, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and savannas. The tree is also cultivated in other parts of the world, such as South Africa and California, for its timber and ornamental value.
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the wood of Eucalyptus Resinifera used for?
A: The wood of Eucalyptus Resinifera is hard, heavy, and durable, making it suitable for a range of applications, such as flooring, furniture, and construction.
Q: Does Eucalyptus Resinifera attract bees?
A: Yes, Eucalyptus Resinifera is known for its high-quality honey production, which is favored by bees and other pollinators.
Q: Can Eucalyptus Resinifera be grown in pots?
A: Eucalyptus Resinifera is not well-suited for container gardening, as it requires a deep and extensive root system to support its size and growth rate.
Q: Is Eucalyptus Resinifera invasive?
A: Eucalyptus Resinifera is not considered a highly invasive species, but it can spread rapidly in certain conditions and may outcompete native vegetation.
Related Plants
- Eucalyptus Globulus
- Eucalyptus Camaldulensis
- Eucalyptus Citriodora
- Eucalyptus Grandis
References
- “Eucalyptus resinifera.” Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved from https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp5/eucalyptus-resinifera.html
- “Red Mahogany.” Wood Solutions. Retrieved from https://www.woodsolutions.com.au/wood-species/red-mahogany
- “Eucalyptus resinifera.” PlantNET – NSW Flora Online. Retrieved from http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Eucalyptus~resinifera
