Eucalyptus goniocalyx Dwarf form

Eucalyptus goniocalyx 'Dwarf form' is a small tree appreciated for its balanced stature, on one or more trunks, which will highlight a rough bark surprisingly decorative in adulthood, similar to that of an old olive tree. With a relatively slow growth for a eucalyptus, it forms a tree reaching 5 to 7 m (16 ft 5 in to 23 ft) in height, with dense and branched vegetation. Its long evergreen leaves of a beautiful bluish-green are particularly aromatic. Quite hardy (down to -8/-10°C (17.6/14 °F)), this eucalyptus, endemic to the coastal and arid regions of the extreme southeast of Australia, requires a very sunny location. It adapts to any type of soil, even poor, as long as it is well-draining, neutral or acidic pH, or even slightly alkaline (limestone). Tolerant to dry conditions once established, it will need watering to settle. Tolerating pruning well, this eucalyptus is able to adapt its root system to its vegetation, which allows it to contain its height to the space it is given.

Eucalyptus goniocalyx is an endemic species of southeastern Australia, where it is present, in the form of a tree, on the high plateaus and hills, ranging from northern New South Wales to central-west Victoria; and also in the form of mallee (multiple trunks from the stump) in the driest areas of South Australia in the Mt Lofty and Flinders mountain ranges. In these mountainous regions, it thrives on poor and well-draining soils, under a coastal climate with a mild atmosphere in winter (5 to 15°C (41 to 59 °F)) and warm in summer (15 to 25°C (59 to 77 °F)), with precipitation of 1000 mm spread over all months of the year. It belongs to the Myrtaceae family. The species name: goniocalyx, comes from the Greek gonio which means angled and calyx, in reference to the angles on the fruit. The leaves, rich in cineole are distilled to produce eucalyptus oil, which is used in the composition of medicines, antiseptics, repellents, flavours or perfumes.

The variety 'Dwarf form' is a compact form of the species, with a bushy habit, which can reach up to 6 metres (19 feet 8 inches) in height and 4 metres (13 feet 1 inches) in width. Its frame is made up of several stems from a lignotuber* located just below the surface of the soil. When young, it has glaucous green branches, rounded or square, bearing juvenile foliage, composed of round, opposite leaves, without petioles, 3.5 to 10 cm (1.4 to 3.9 in) long by 3.5 to 11 cm (1.4 to 4.3 in) wide and bluish green. Then, as it develops, the petiolate leaves are alternate and take a lanceolate to crescent shape, 8 to 25 cm (3.1 to 9.8 in) long by 1.5 to 4 cm (0.6 to 1.6 in) wide, a nice shiny bluish-green on both sides. The leaves are very aromatic and give off a menthol scent when crushed, rich in eucalyptol. As it ages, the bark, on the trunk and part of the branches, becomes greyish, rough and fibrous. The flowering occurs mainly in summer, but occasionally, at other times. The inflorescence, arranged at the axil of the leaves, on a short peduncle, is composed of 7 floral buds gathered in a tight bouquet, blossoming into a flower with numerous cream-white anthers, forming a pompom 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in) in diameter. Rich in nectar, they are very attractive to bees. After flowering, the fruits, called "gumnut", appear as a woody, hemispherical capsule which contains 1.5 to 2.5 mm (0.1 to 0.1 in) long, brown, grey or black seeds. These capsules are not edible for humans, but provide a source of food for local wildlife, especially birds and insects.

This eucalyptus has a *lignotuber, made up of a swelling rich in starch that forms on the roots just below the surface of the soil. This organ allows it to regrow from the stump in case of severe frost, fire or ground-level pruning. The plant also produces many shoots from dormant buds located under its bark, which allows it to respond perfectly well to coppicing, topping or more severe pruning.

Eucalyptus goniocalyx 'Dwarf form' is ideal for medium to large gardens, where it can be used as an ornamental plant to add height and structure to the landscape. It is often planted in groups or hedges to create a natural barrier or privacy screen. This plant is drought-resistant in summer, in well-drained soil, even slightly limestone. It tolerates hot, dry summers, wind and sea sprays well. It is an ideal plant in a Mediterranean-type garden in association with Strawberry Trees (Arbutus unedo), Callistemon (Bottlebrush), Pomegranates (Punica granatum), Olives (Olea europaea), Mimosas, Pistacia lentiscus …