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Description
Eucalyptus Racemosa, also known as the scribbly gum, is a species of eucalyptus tree that is native to Australia. It is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a distinctive bark that is covered in scribbles made by the larvae of the scribbly gum moth. The leaves of the Eucalyptus Racemosa are long, narrow, and glossy, and they release a strong, aromatic scent when crushed. The tree produces clusters of small, white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, which are followed by woody, cone-shaped fruit.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Genus | Eucalyptus |
| Species | Racemosa |
Appearance
The Eucalyptus Racemosa is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. It has a distinctive bark that is covered in scribbles made by the larvae of the scribbly gum moth. The bark is smooth and white or grey in color, and peels away in long strips. The leaves of the Eucalyptus Racemosa are long, narrow, and glossy, and they release a strong, aromatic scent when crushed. The leaves are a blue-green color and are up to 20 cm long. The tree produces clusters of small, white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, which are followed by woody, cone-shaped fruit.
Care Guide
The Eucalyptus Racemosa is a hardy tree that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips for taking care of your Eucalyptus Racemosa:
- Water: The Eucalyptus Racemosa prefers well-draining soil and does not like to be overwatered. Water deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your Eucalyptus Racemosa once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The Eucalyptus Racemosa prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy, amend it with sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: The Eucalyptus Racemosa prefers full sun and can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Eucalyptus Racemosa is hardy in USDA zones 9b-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Eucalyptus Racemosa is generally free from pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves of the Eucalyptus Racemosa. It can be treated with a fungicide.
- Sooty mold: This fungal disease causes a black, sooty coating to form on the leaves of the Eucalyptus Racemosa. It is caused by honeydew secreted by insects and can be treated by removing the insects and washing the leaves with soapy water.
- Scale insects: These insects suck sap from the leaves of the Eucalyptus Racemosa and can cause the leaves to yellow and drop. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Eucalyptus Racemosa is native to Australia and is found in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. It grows in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, and heathlands. The tree is adapted to dry, hot conditions and can tolerate drought and fire.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Eucalyptus Racemosa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Eucalyptus Racemosa can be grown in containers, but it will need to be transplanted into a larger pot every few years to accommodate its growing root system.Q: Can the Eucalyptus Racemosa be used for timber?
A: Yes, the wood of the Eucalyptus Racemosa is used for pulpwood, firewood, and in construction.Q: Does the Eucalyptus Racemosa have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, the leaves of the Eucalyptus Racemosa contain essential oils that are used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory conditions.Q: Is the Eucalyptus Racemosa invasive?
A: No, the Eucalyptus Racemosa is not considered invasive in most areas outside of its native range.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Eucalyptus Racemosa:
- Eucalyptus Globulus
- Eucalyptus Camaldulensis
- Eucalyptus Deglupta
- Eucalyptus Citriodora
References
- “Eucalyptus racemosa.” Floridata.com. Accessed 10 September 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/526/
- “Eucalyptus racemosa.” Treesandshrubsonline.org. Accessed 10 September 2021. https://treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/eucalyptus/eucalyptus-racemosa/
- “Eucalyptus racemosa.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia) – NSW. Accessed 10 September 2021. https://www.anpsa.org.au/e-rac.html
