Tree 8

Eucalyptus ovata

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Quick Facts

Genus: Eucalyptus

Species: ovata

Common Names: Swamp Gum

Mature Size: 12-28 metres
Height: 15 metres
Width: 17.2 metres
Diameter at Breast height (DBH): 43+46+84 3 stems = 105cm

Age of Tree: Mature, this tree has reached its expected height in this position. A tree of this species can also be seen further west along this street.

Place of Origin: From Kangaroo Island in S.A, through Victoria and central highlands in Tasmania

Plant Habit: Flood plains and swampy areas, close to water source

Growth Habit: Usually a short trunk that divides to scaffold branches, of very variable habit.

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Horticultural Information

Preferred Conditions: Soil Moisture high throughout the year

Soil Type: Heavy clay soils

Tolerances: Intolerant of drought, Tolerant of water inundation for periods of many months

Useful Life Expectancy (ULE): Short-medium; in suitable conditions it can thrive for more than 100 years; though once exposed to dry or drought conditions, it is prone to wood borers. These greatly reduce its ULE and severely impact their health.

Significance: This tree is a larger and older tree and provides a strong feature in a private garden with a smaller tree of the same species planted as street tree further west.

Features: Leaves are ‘ovate’ in shape, giving it its species name and leaf margins a slightly wavey; leaves are concolourous, the same shade of green on both surfaces. Flowers are white in colour, from June – November; buds are diamond shaped.

Points of Interest: Native tree, dominates this part of streetscape. Not a common tree as a street tree planting.

Additional Notes

This type of tree is prone to wood decay fungi, when over pruned or in poor health. Once fungi is established, the loss of wood strength is rapid. This often results in branch and even trunk collapse, due to loss of wood strength. Wood makes poor fire wood and is not used for any commercial purposes.

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