Eucalyptus sclerophylla

Eucalyptus sclerophylla, known as the scribbly gum, is a tree native to eastern Australia. Very similar to the related Scribbly Gum (E. haemastoma), a better known tree. The best way of distinguishing the species is the smaller hemispherical to pear shaped gumnuts of Eucalyptus sclerophylla, being 0.6 cm by 0.6 cm in size. Flower buds are also smaller. sclerophylla literally means hard leaf. Both species have hard leaves, but Eucalyptus sclerophylla's leaves are particularly hard edged.

Scribbly gum
Scribbly gum at Lawson, New South Wales, Blue Mountains (Australia)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Eucalyptus
Species:
E. sclerophylla
Binomial name
Eucalyptus sclerophylla
Synonyms
  • Eucalyptus haemostoma var. sclerophylla Blakely
  • Eucalyptus racemosa Cav.

Occurring on the poorer sandstone soils in mid to high rainfall areas. Around Sydney it often occurs on the higher ridges, where the soil is drier and less fertile. It ranges north from Jervis Bay, to near the Watagan district near Newcastle.

A small to medium-sized tree, up to 20 metres tall, usually seen around 6 metres tall. Smooth barked, with shedding bark of white or grey. Scribbles often found on the bark. Leaves 5 to 16 cm long, 2 to 4 cm wide. Almost a glossy green, on both sides of the leaf. White flowers form between November and February.

References
    • "Eucalyptus sclerophylla". PlantNET - NSW Flora Online. Retrieved 28 February 2010.
    • A Field Guide to Eucalypts - Brooker & Kleinig volume 1, ISBN 0-909605-62-9 page 124
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