Description
Common names
White Sallee, Snow Gum, Cabbage Gum, Weeping Gum, A Snow Gum, Ghost Gum, Jounama Snow Gum, South-eastern White Gum, White Salee, White Sally.
Scientific names
Eucalyptus pauciflora.
Family
Myrtaceae.
Genus
Eucalyptus.
Name origin
Pauciflora, from Latin paucus, few, and florus, flowered, meaning few-flowered, although this is inappropriate as it often flowers profusely.
Rainfall
650mm.
Growth rate
Fast.
Growth height
Up to 20m.
Presence in Australia
East of the Hume Highway at higher elevations.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas, SA.
Habitat
Grassy or dry sclerophyll woodland in flat cold sites above about 700m elevation, on deeper soils.
Habit
Tree to 20m high (and sometimes 30m), with white, grey or yellow smooth bark with scribbles.
Site preference
Mountain slopes, exposed ridgetops and tablelands in shallow rocky or alluvial well-drained soil. Tolerates frost, strong wind and long periods of heavy snow.
Characteristics
Fast-growing when young.
Flowering
White-cream, Oct-Jan. Prolific.
Seed collection
Summer, although seeds generally retained for long periods.
Propagation
From stratified seed (±500 viable seeds per gram). Combine seed with moist sand and refrigerate for 4-6 weeks at 150C. Optimum germination temperature 150C. Seedlings may not survive in sterile potting mix. Adding local soil should overcome problems.
Regeneration
From seed and lignotubers.
Shade and shelter
Useful medium-level cover in windbreaks.
Land protection
Valuable in highland areas for controlling erosion and intercepting snow drift.
Fuel
Moderate value. Used where it occurs.
Timber
Light pink-brown, relatively soft, light and moderately strong, with gum veins. Density about 690 kg/m3.
Wildlife
Valuable habitat. Hollows used for nesting. Nectar source for native birds and insects. Insect-eating birds attracted.
Ornamental
Attractive due to pendulous foliage and colourful pink bark during summer.
Other
Leaves produce yellow dye with mordant alum.