Care of the tree Eucalyptus kruseana or Bookleaf mallee |
The genus Eucalyptus, family Myrtaceae, includes some 700 species of trees and shrubs native to Australia and New Guinea. Some species are: Eucalyptus kruseana, Eucalyptus erythrocorys, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus caesia, Eucalyptus gracilis, Eucalyptus amygdalina, Eucalyptus torelliana, Eucalyptus diversifolia, Eucalyptus torquata, Eucalyptus oleosa, Eucalyptus ficifolia, Eucalyptus leucoxylon, Eucalyptus glaucescens. Common names: Bookleaf mallee, Kruse's mallee. This species is native to Western Australia. They are small, disorderly evergreen trees that can reach 4 meters (13.12 feet) in height. The elegant rounded and opposite silvery blue leaves are arranged along the branches. They produce showy yellow flowers. They bloom in late winter and early spring. Bookleaf mallee is used as isolated specimens and to form bushy groups and informal hedges. The branches with leaves are used to create floral decorations. Eucalyptus kruseana prefers full sun exposure but also grows in semi-shade. It resists light frosts down to -1 ºC (30.2 ºF). Kruse's mallee grows in any well-drained soil whether it is poor, sandy or stony. Water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry completely. It resists drought well. Bookleaf mallee does not need fertilizer. It is advisable to prune it in autumn to keep them compact. Established young plants can be pruned almost at ground level to provoke the appearance of several stems. Eucalyptus kruseana is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases. Kruse's mallee is propagated from seeds sown in a slightly damp sandy substrate. |
Images of the tree Eucalyptus kruseana or Bookleaf mallee |