Eucalyptus pellita

Cultivation Details

Eucalyptus pellita is found in two widely separated areas of Australia. In the tropical climate of Queensland it is found at latitudes 12 - 18°S, whilst in the subtropics of New South Wales it is found at 27 - 36°S. It grows best in areas where the mean annual temperature ranges from a cool month of 4 - 19°c to a hot month of 24 - 34°c; the mean annual rainfall is within the range 900 - 4,000mm and there is all year round or summer rainfall. The species, especially when obtained from its southern provenance, is moderately frost resistant^[1]. Requires a sunny position^[2]. Grows best in well-drained soils ranging from shallow sands on sandstone ridges to shallow sandy podzols and deep forest loams^[1]. Prefers a pH in the range 6 - 7, tolerating 5.5 - 7.5^[2]. The plant develops a lignotuber - this is a woody tuber that starts to develop near the base of seedlings and can become massive in the mature plants of some species. It possesses embedded vegetative buds, allowing the plant to regenerate following crown destruction, for example by fire^[3]. A fast-growing tree, it can reach a height of 13 - 15 metres in 3.5 years, and an be grown on 4 - 8 years coppice rotations^[2]. Whilst most Eucalyptus species, grown in small numbers outside their native range, can be an attractive and useful addition to the landscape, certain species (including this one) are more problematic. When grown in monocultures, especially outside their native range, they can become an environmental disaster. They are voracious, especially in their use of water; they are allelopathic, inhibiting the growth of the native flora; they reduce habitats for native fauna; and encourage the worst possible attitudes to land use and conservation^[4]. Recommended for planting only on well-drained, sandy soils where at an early stage it forms a dense crown that shades out weeds once it is established^[1].