Eucalyptus maculata Hook.  var. citriodora   =Eucalyptus citriodora   Myrtaceae (Myrtle Family)                                                            Australia   Lemon-Scented Gum                                                  Spotted Gum

                             May Photo

Plant Characteristics: Tall tree to 150 ft. with column-like trunk, the whitish or reddish-gray bark deciduous in patches, giving the trunk a spotted appearance; lvs. lanceolate, 3-7 in. long, fls. about 1/2 in. long, on thick pedicels, usually in clusters of 3 in a many fld. panicle; lid hemispherical, much shorter than calyx tube; fr. globular-urn-shaped, nearly 1/2 in. across, the caps. deeply sunk.

Habitat:  Escape from cultivation.  Will do well in areas where temperatures do not go below 24-28 degrees Fahrenheit.  (Sunset Editors, New Western Garden Book 1984. 288).

Name:  Eucalyp-tus, Greek, for well and calyptra or lid, referring to the sepals and petals, which are united to form a cap. (Munz, Flora So. Calif. 727).  Latin, maculatus, spotted. ML. citrinus, lemon colored. (Jaeger 58).  Citriodorus, lemon scented.  (Bailey 12).

General:  Rare in the study area, only one tree known and this at marsh level about half way between Delhi and 23rd St. This is a large tree, probably 40 ft. tall, that I have walked by many times but only noticed in 1997.  After looking for a fallen flower for several years, I finally took the photograph of the flowers and leaves was taken from a tree next to University Dr. near the Interpretive Center. Willows, Arundo donax and other shrubs surround the tree so unless one looks up it would not be noticed. (my comments).       Eucalyptus maculata is mostly cultivated in its var. citriodora (Bailey 727).      One of the most graceful trees, trunk usually straight, sometimes curved.  Designer's tree. Enhances any architecture. Can grow close to walls, walks.  Perfect for groves, very fast grower.  Weak-trunked when young, needs to be staked stoutly.  Tolerates much or little water.  Tender to frost.  (Sunset Editors, New Western Garden Book 1984. 288).

Text Ref: Bailey 727; Hickman, Ed. 768; Sunset Editors, New Western Garden Book 1984. 288.

Identity: by R. De Ruff, confirmed by John Johnson.  

Photo Ref: March-April 98 # 5; April-June 03 # 10.

First Found:  March 1997.

No plant specimen.  

Computer Ref: Plant Data 507.

Last edit 12/29/03.

                                             March Photo