Scribbly gum (Eucalyptus rossii) is a gum tree native to Australia. It grows to a height of approximately 25 metres and measures up to 15 metres wide. It is also known as "white gum".[1]
It grows on shallow, stony soils. It is usually found on dry slopes in its natural environment. It grows in the New South Wales Tablelands, the Western Slopes and the Central Coast.[1] Once established, the tree is hardy and requires little attention.
Description[edit | edit source]
The tree is named after the "scribbles" that often be seen on its smooth, white bark. These scribbles are marks made by small insects, the burrowing larvae of the moth Ogmograptis scribula.[1]
The leaves are narrow in shape and are coloured a greyish green.
The bark is a white to yellowish-creamy white colour. The bark is shed in patches each year and the scribbles become evident with each shedding.[1]
The tree flowers annually, from December to February. The flowers are white. After flowering, gumnuts are formed. Honey eaters feed on the flowers.[1]
Growing scribbly gum[edit | edit source]
Grow the tree from seed or purchase a seedling from the nursery and plant from the container into the desired garden position.
Always take care when choosing the planting position, as it will shed limbs with ease.[1] Do not position it where limbs could grow over dwellings, sheds or other structures that could be damaged by a falling limb.
Sources and citations[edit | edit source]
For information on the broad-leaved scribbly gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma), see Fact sheet
