General Description:

With about 800 species, Eucalyptus is the second largest genus in the Australian flora and range from medium shrubs to huge forest trees.  The three genera Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Angophora are known collectively as 'eucalypts' and they dominate many Australian landscapes.  They are only absent (or at least reduced in diversity) in rainforests and truly arid environments.

Eucalyptus pachyphylla is a small tree, usually of “mallee” habit (multi-trunks arising from a lignotuber). It reaches about 5 -7 metres in height but is often smaller. The bark is rough and persistent near the base of the trunks but is smooth elsewhere. Leaves are broadly oval shape, tapering to a point – they are about 150 mm long by 50 mm wide. The yellow flowers occur in clusters of about three. They are cream to bright yellow and about 30 mm diameter. Flowering occurs in autumn and winter and is followed by attractive, brown gumnuts with a ribbed surface.

Thick-leaved mallee is not widely grown but would be an attractive small tree for dry climates. The flowers and fruit are attractive and the plant is of a size well suited to smaller gardens. The suitability for this species in wet and humid climates is not known. Because of its lignotuberous habit, the species should respond to hard pruning to near ground level if rejuvenation is required.

Propagation is from seed which germinates readily.