20B-2-Eucalyptus-nitens-budl-Peter-Kinchington.jpg

Eucalyptus nitens

Shining Gum, Silvertop

Very tall straight tree with open canopy. Smooth grey to greenish bark sheds in long strips. Sometimes rough grey bark near the base.

Additional information

  • FamilyMyrtaceae
  • StoreyUpper storey
  • Size30-70 m x 10-30 m
  • Plant groupingTrees 5 m +
  • LeavesBluish elliptic to egg-shaped juvenile leaves to 17 cm x 8 cm. Narrow lance-shaped glossy green adult leaves 13-24 cm x 1.5-2.5 cm.
  • Flower colourWhite
  • Flowering timeJanuary to March
  • Flowers7-flowered, stalkless cylindrical buds. Fruit stalkless and cup-shaped.
  • Bird attractingGeneral - food and habitat
  • Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsDeep moist soil at high altitude. Frost and snow tolerant. Full sun.
  • Garden useLimited to very large properties in high rainfall areas. Shade and shelter.
  • Commercially availableUnlikely to be available within the Shire of Yarra Ranges
  • Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions. The Shining Gum Forests are restricted to a few scattered localities.
  • Aboriginal Use Eucalypts provided food, medicines, containers, string and tools.
Photographer/s: 1, 2, 4, 5 Peter Kinchington ©; 3 Marilyn Bull ©

Plant Communities

  • 04 Alpine Ash Montane Wet Forest (EVC 39)
  • 02 Shining Gum Montane Wet Forest (EVC 39)
  • 01 Alpine Ash Montane Damp Forest (EVC 38)
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