Eucalyptus torquata
you-kuh-LIP-tus tor-KWA-tuh

Coral Gum, Goldfields Gum
Myrtaceae (Myrtle family)
Origin: Western Australia

Species characteristics:
Form -Evergreen. Moderately fast growing small tree to 20' high with equal spread; variable form tending to round or spreading. Weight of flowers and seed capsules cause branches to droop.

Trunk - Older bark is persistent, rough, reddish brown.

Foliage - Open on slender stems. Lanceolate mature leaves are
4 to 6" long and 1/2 to 1 1/4" wide, light grayish green to golden green, are borne alternately. Juvenile leaves may be blunt and round.

Flowers/fruit - Decorative buds are bronze to bright red with a yellow, beaked operculum resembling miniature lanterns. The buds are 3/4" long and 3/8" wide and turn yellow and coral red before opening to the flowers of coral pink or yellowish white. Blooms occur from October through June, and intennittently in summer. May flower as early as one year old. Cup shaped seed capsules are 1/4 to 1/2" long and of equal width, with corrugated sides.

No significant pest problems are known at this time.

Site suitability:
Sunset zones: 16, 17, and 21 - 24. Hardy to 29°.

Clearances - Suitable for 2' minimum parkways, medians or cutouts. Suitable under utility lines.

Good for street sides, medians, parks and lawns

Culture considerations:
Moderately drought and heat tolerant. Needs staking and corrective pruning. Does well in semi-arid and wann inland climates.