Eucalyptus gunnii subsp. divaricata

Eucalyptus gunnii subsp. divaricata is a tree endemic to the central plateau of Tasmania, also known as Miena Cider Gum. It stands out with its good capabilities to withstand the cold (down to - 15°C (59 °F)), to endure harsh climate conditions and to adapt to wet soils. With a graceful and balanced habit, it is an evergreen tree, highly evolving over the seasons and years. It is also appreciated for its lovely cottony-looking white flowers, often in winter, and its bark softly marbled with grey, tinged with pink or orange which peel off in strips. Tolerating pruning well, it forms on one or several trunks depending on the desired architecture and landscape integration. In all cases, this beautiful specimen deserves a prime spot, standalone or in a group, in a large space. With rapid growth and intolerance to dry conditions, its installation in the garden requires a suitable location, in sufficiently moist draining soil and in the sun.

Eucalyptus gunnii subsp. divaricata, from the Myrtaceae family, is a subspecies of Eucalyptus gunnii, a very close cousin. This tree endemic to Tasmania, in Australia, finds its origins in the clear forests around the Great Lakes region, on the central plateau of Tasmania, located west of the city of Miena. In this region, at an altitude between 850 and 1150 m (2788 ft 8 in and 3773 ft), and in rather poorly drained soils, it is exposed to frost and difficult winter conditions. It produces sweet sap, similar to maple syrup. Bottled, the liquid ferments like apple cider, hence the name of "Miena Cider Gum".

With rapid growth, sometimes a metre per year, this Eucalyptus forms a beautiful tree, with a branching, round crown, reaching 14 to 18 m (45 ft 11 in to 59 ft 1 in) in height, and 6 to 8 m (19 ft 8 in to 26 ft 2 in) in spread, unpruned on a single trunk. Pruned and formed on several trunks starting from the base, its shape will be wider and its height will remain between 8 to 12 m (26 ft 2 in to 39 ft 5 in). Its framework consists of one or several stems starting from a lignotuber* located just below the soil surface. The young reddish branches carry juvenile foliage, densely implanted, composed of small round leaves, without petioles, opposite, 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) in diameter, of a matt bluish-green. Then as it develops, the petiolate leaves, alternately on the stem, take a lanceolate shape, 4 to 8 cm (1.6 to 3.1 in) long by 1.5 to 3 cm (0.6 to 1.2 in) wide, glaucous green. The leaves are tough and slightly aromatic, releasing a menthol fragrance when crushed, rich in eucalyptol. With age, the smooth bark of the trunk, is marked with grey spots, tinged with pink or orange when its large bark plates peel off. The very abundant flowering occurs between January and March. The floral buds, generally glaucous, grouped by three, bloom into small flowers with numerous cream-white anthers, forming a pompon of about 1 cm (0.4 in) in diameter. Rich in nectar, they are very attractive to bees. After flowering, the fruits, called "gumnuts", appear in the form of woody cupules, attached to the branch by a short petiole. They contain the seeds, where the essential oil is highly concentrated. Generally, the branches, floral buds and young capsules are covered with a thick, whitish, waxy bloom.

This eucalyptus has a *lignotuber, consisting of a swelling rich in starch that forms on the roots just below the soil surface. This organ allows it to regrow from the stump in case of severe frost, fire or hard pruning. The plant also produces numerous shoots from dormant buds located under its bark, which allows it to respond very well to coppicing, topping or more severe pruning. Note that the alpine gum withstands snow, wind and sea spray.

The Miena Cider Gum finds a place in the garden planted alone in a clear space to appreciate the elegance and brilliance of its foliage of an intense bluish note. To highlight its architectural habit, it is formed on a single trunk or multi-trunks. In a grove, it can be associated with a coyote willow or weeping ornamental pear tree, both nicely silvered, or for contrast a purple hazel or Catalpa bignonioides Aurea, or Golden American Honey Locust. It accommodates all types of soil, except too chalky soils and regions with dry summers. It withstands both coastal and mountain climates, and its resistance to cold will go down to -15°C (5 °F), or even more. Comfortable in moist soils, but not marshy, it has the ability to dry them out.

Virtues: The leaves rich in the essential oil of the Eucalyptus gunnii are used in various forms (infusion, tincture, oil...) to treat numerous respiratory ailments, rheumatism, migraines, fatigue and as an antiseptic.