An Introduction to the Eucalypts
[This information taken from - Chippendale, G.M. Eucalyptus. In: Chippendale, G.M. (1988). Flora of Australia Vol. 19, Myrtaceae, Eucalyptus, Angophora, Australian Government Publising Service, Canberra.]
Eucalyptus rubida Deane & Maiden
Reference:
Deane & Maiden, Proc. Linn. Soc. New South Wales 24: 456 (1899).
Type:
E. gunnii var. rubida (Deane & Maiden) Maiden, Proc. Linn. Soc. New South Wales 26: 561, 562, 577 (1902). T: Jindabyne, N.S.W., Jan. 1898, J.H.Maiden; lecto: NSW, fide J.H.Maiden, Crit. Revis. Eucalyptus 3: 123 (1916).
Illustrations:
C.D.Boomsma, Native Trees S. Australia 169 (1972); M.I.H.Brooker & D.A.Kleinig, Field Guide to Eucalypts 1: 223 (1983); D.J.Boland et al., Forest Trees Australia 4th edn, 479 (1984).
Description:
Tree to 40 m. Bark smooth throughout, white or red to red-brown, often with horizontal, dark, insect scars. Juvenile leaves opposite, sessile, orbicular, amplexicaul, glaucous, concolorous. Adult leaves alternate, lanceolate to narrowly lanceolate, acuminate; lamina 9-15 cm long, 0.8-2.4 cm wide, glaucous or dull, green, concolorous; lateral vein distinct, at 30°-40°; intramarginal vein to 2 mm from margin; petiole terete, 13-25 mm long. Umbels 3- flowered; peduncle slightly angular or flattened, 3-8 mm long; pedicels absent or to 3 mm long. Buds ovoid, often glaucous; operculum conical, 2-3 mm long, 4-5 mm wide; hypanthium hemispherical, 2-4 mm long, 4-5 mm wide. Fruits hemispherical to subglobular, often glaucous, 4-6 mm long, 5-7 mm wide; disc broad, ascending; valves 3 or 4, exserted.
Common name:
Candlebark.
Distribution:
Occurs widely from the northern tablelands of N.S.W. southwards to eastern Vic. including lower hills of the Australian Alps, and on the plateau area of eastern Tas., with outliers in the Mt Lofty Ra. and several nearby places, S.A. Grows on tablelands, hills and slopes in shallow soils in woodland and open forest.
Notes:
Recognised by tall tree habit, smooth white bark but often with red to red-brown old patches and with horizontal insect scars on the lower trunk, 3-flowered umbels and sessile or shortly pedicellate buds. Differs from E. dalrympleana mainly in bark colour and glaucous juvenile leaves. The wood is tough but not durable and is useful for fencing. The trees produce nectar for honey production.