Eucalyptus microtheca F. Muell.

Description :

A small to medium sized, evergreen tree, 10 to 20 m tall with diameters up to 1 m. The crown is bushy and spreading. The leaves are simple, narrow and lance shaped, 7 to 12 cm long and 1 to 2.5 cm wide. The flowers, which occur in groups of threes and fives, usually bloom between June and July. The fruit is a capsule containing many small seeds and is shaped like a half globe. The capsules mature in September. It is reproduced both from seed and by vegetative means. Seed sealed in airtight containers will remain viable for several years in cold storage. It grows slow. With irrigation height growth can be increased to approximately 3 m/yr. MAI of 5 to 10 m³/ha/yr on an 8-year rotation under irrigation has been recorded. Wood is black to dark brown with grains twisted and interlocked, medium coarse, uneven texture. Specific gravity of 0.89, with high strength.

 

Distribution :

The tree is native to Australia. It is widely planted in arid areas throughout the world. In Pakistan it is successfully planted throughout the plains and in the hills. A very intolerant tree that grows on a variety of soils, including poor gravely soils as long as they are well drained. It can stand inundation at least part of the year and will do well on flood plains and around swamps and lagoons. It is adapted to a precipitation zone of 200 to 1000 mm/yr or more but can tolerate a dry season of up to 7 months. It prefers a semi-arid, warm hot, subtropical winter/monsoon, climate with a temperature range of 0 to 40°C at elevations up to 700 m. It can stand a light frost, it coppices easily, and young trees are less likely to be attacked by termites than other Eucalyptus species.

 

Uses :

This is a good tree for reforestation projects because of its ability to tolerate drought conditions. Farmers like it because of its shelterbelt potential. It is an excellent farm forestry tree. Used as Fuel wood, charcoal, poles and fence post, shelterbelt, apiculture, shade, and tool handles.