Black Gum

Black Gum

Black gum Eucalyptus ovata

Scientific Name

Eucalyptus ovata

Family Name

MYRTACEAE

Common Name

Black Gum

General Information

Height 10.0m - 50.0m (1000-5000cm)
Flowers "Umbels" usually with 4-7 flowers
Fruit Woody capsule
Form A straggling tree or a tall tree
Communities Coastal Vegetation; Dry Eucalypt Forest and Woodland; Heath; Wet Eucalypt Forest
Habitat Notes Widespread in woodlands and forests on swampy ground. Frequent on coastal sandy heaths and sometimes forms pure stands on badly drained soils; occasional on well drained soils in mixed eucalypt forest.
Site Tolerance Exposed; Moist; Rocky; Waterlogged; Windy
Frost Tolerance Hardy
Soil Tolerance Clay; Fertile; Loam; Poor; Poorly-drained; Sandy; Well-drained
General Notes Useful for planting in wet areas and to provide dense shade. A lso as a second line planting for coastal conditions. IProduces valuable hardwood timber, which is also good for firewood. Not suitable below powerlines.

Propagation Details

Flowering Months
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Seed Collecting Months
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Sowing Months
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Cutting Months
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Seed Information

Seed Collection Collect capsules and store in paper bags until valves open to release seed. separate seed by sieving
Seed Treatment Method Standard
Seed Storage Life 10 years at 4oC
Viable Seeds Per Gram 650
Seed Treatment Notes 6-8 weeks to pricking out.
Germination Time 2-4 weeks
Suitable For Direct Seeding Yes

Cuttings

Propagation By Division No