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Description
Eucalyptus Macrocarpa, also known as Mottlecah, is a stunning tree native to Western Australia. Its unique and eye-catching flowers make it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers alike. This evergreen tree can grow up to 5 meters tall and has a spread of 3 meters. Its leaves are silvery-green and the bark is smooth and grey-white. The flowers of Eucalyptus Macrocarpa are large and showy, with a diameter of up to 10cm. They are usually pink or red, but can sometimes be white. These flowers bloom in late winter and early spring.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Genus | Eucalyptus |
Appearance
Eucalyptus Macrocarpa has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other trees. Its leaves are silvery-green and elongated, reaching up to 15cm in length. The bark is smooth and grey-white, shedding in long ribbons. The flowers are the most striking feature of this tree. They are large and showy, with a diameter of up to 10cm. They are usually pink or red, but can sometimes be white. The flowers have a woody, urn-shaped base and are surrounded by a bright red or pink calyx. The stamens are long and numerous, giving the flowers a fluffy appearance.
Care Guide
Eucalyptus Macrocarpa is a hardy tree that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for keeping your tree healthy and thriving:- Water: Eucalyptus Macrocarpa is drought tolerant and does not require frequent watering. However, it will benefit from occasional deep watering during particularly dry periods.- Fertilization: Eucalyptus Macrocarpa does not require regular fertilization. However, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote growth.- Soil: Eucalyptus Macrocarpa prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but does not do well in heavy clay soils.- Sunlight: Eucalyptus Macrocarpa prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Eucalyptus Macrocarpa is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eucalyptus Macrocarpa is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can sometimes be affected by the following:- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves. It can be treated with a fungicide.- Eucalyptus gall wasp: This insect pest causes galls to form on the branches and leaves. Infested branches should be pruned and destroyed.- Root rot: This fungal disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. It can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering.
Habitat
Eucalyptus Macrocarpa is native to Western Australia, where it can be found growing in sandy or gravelly soils. It is adapted to a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. This tree is well-suited to coastal regions and can tolerate salt spray.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Eucalyptus Macrocarpa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Eucalyptus Macrocarpa can be grown in containers. However, it will require more frequent watering and fertilization than if grown in the ground.
Q: How often should I prune my Eucalyptus Macrocarpa?
A: Eucalyptus Macrocarpa does not require regular pruning. However, you can prune it to shape it or to remove dead or damaged branches.
Q: Is Eucalyptus Macrocarpa toxic to pets?
A: Eucalyptus Macrocarpa is not known to be toxic to pets.
Q: How long does it take for Eucalyptus Macrocarpa to bloom?
A: Eucalyptus Macrocarpa blooms in late winter and early spring.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Eucalyptus Macrocarpa:- Eucalyptus citriodora- Eucalyptus globulus- Eucalyptus camaldulensis- Eucalyptus deglupta- Eucalyptus ficifolia
References
– “Eucalyptus macrocarpa.” Australian National Botanic Gardens.- “Eucalyptus macrocarpa – Mottlecah.” Gardening With Angus.- “Eucalyptus macrocarpa.” PlantNET.
