Eucalyptus viminalis Leaf (11/03/2012, Kew, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 25m
Eventual Spread: 15m
Hardiness: 7b – 11
Family: Myrtaceae
Eucalyptus viminalis is a fast growing, large evergreen tree with broadly columnar shape. Its grey/ green simple leaves are arranged oppositely, are lanceolate with entire leaf margins and up to 15cm long. The bark of the tree is quite rough and exfoliates, peeling away in long ribbons. The flowers of the tree are hermaphrodite, white in color and are arranged in umbels. The fruit is a poricidal capsule.
Eucalyptus viminalis (11/03/2012, Kew, London)
Eucalyptus viminalis, commonly known as Manna Gum, White Gum, Viminalis or Ribbon Gum, is native to south east Australia. It was introduced into the UK in 1885. It is currently used for small scale forestry production in Ireland. There are three sub species of this tree E. viminalis Subsp. viminalis, E. viminalis Subsp. cygnetensis and E. viminalis Subsp. pryoriana.
The etymological root of the binomial name Eucalyptus is derived from the Greek eu ‘good‘ and kalyptos ’covered’ referring to the calyx which forms a lid over the flowers when in bud. Viminalis is derived from the Latin viminis ’twig’, in reference to the suitability of this plants twigs for basket making.
Eucalyptus viminalis Bark (11/03/2012, Kew, London)
The landscape architect may find Eucalyptus viminalis useful as a large evergreen specimen tree where space permits. It is suitable for maritime planting. It is suitable for pollarding and coppicing. Once established this tree is drought tolerant.
Ecologically, E. viminalis is attractive to bees which pollinate the trees flowers.
Eucalyptus viminalis Fruit (11/03/2012, Kew, London)
E. viminalis prefers moist, well-drained soils, including very well drained. It tolerates most pH of soil, including acidic soils. It will not tolerate wet soils.
E. viminalis requires little maintenance.
