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 sieberi L.A.S.Johnson
Reference:
L.A.S.Johnson, Contr. New South Wales Natl Herb. 3: 125 (1962).
Type:
T: Blackheath, N.S.W., Apr. 1899, J.H.Maiden; holo: NSW.
E. sieberiana F.Muell., Eucalyptographia Decades 2: 9th plate (1879), nom. illeg. based on E. virgata Sieber ex Sprengel p.p.
Illustrations:
S.Kelly et al., Eucalypts 1: t. 162 (1983); M.I.H.Brooker & D.A.Kleinig, Field Guide to Eucalpypts 1: 88 (1983); D.J.Boland et al., Forest Trees Australia 4th edn, 319 (1984).
Description:
Tree usually to 35 m, sometimes to 45 m. Bark fibrous, hard, furrowed, dark grey to black on trunk and on bases of larger branches, then smooth and white above. Juvenile leaves ovate, grey- or blue- green. Adult leaves lanceolate, acuminate; lamina 9-15 cm long, 1.2-2.8 cm wide, shining, green; lateral veins prominent, at 15°-30°; intramarginal vein up to 3 mm from margin; petiole channelled, 13-18 mm long. Umbels 7-15-flowered; peduncle angular or flattened, 8-16 mm long; pedicels 1-4 mm long. Operculum hemispherical, apiculate, 1-2 mm long, 3-4 mm wide; hypanthium obconical, 2-4 mm long, 3-4 mm wide. Fruits obconical or pyriform, 8-12 mm long, 7-9 mm wide; disc level, just descending or slightly convex; valves 3, just included or level. Seeds brown-black.
Common name:
Silvertop Ash.
Distribution:
Occurs from near Wyong, N.S.W., southwards through A.C.T. to eastern Vic. and north-eastern Tas., on the coast and nearby ranges, often in pure stands in open forest or tall open forest.
Notes:
Distinguished by rough bark on trunk and base of largest branches, smooth, white bark above, acute leaf venation and obconical or pyriform fruits with broad disc. One of the main species used for woodchips in N.S.W.; also used for structural engineering, fencing, sleepers, flooring and plywood.