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Eucalyptus pulverulenta

This species is listed as Vulnerable. It is threatened by grazing, habitat loss and fragmentation and because of its small number of extant populations and low number of plants. The species is insect-pollinated, which may limit the pollen dispersal range to approximately 250 m. Widespread pollen sterility and low genetic diversity has been recorded in populations of this species.

Its highly decorative foliage has led to it being grown commercially as an ornamental and for cut foliage for the florist industry, where it is known as 'Florists Silver Dollar'. The species is also used widely as a landscaping specimen, especially in California in the United States of America.

Common nameSilver-leaved mountain gum, silver-leaved gum
Scientific nameEucalyptus pulverulenta Sims
FamilyMyrtaceae
Etymology

Genus: Eucalyptus - From Greek, eu, well and calyptos, covered referring to the cap which covers the developing flowers.

Species: pulverulenta - From Latin, pulverulentus, powdered, dusty, covered with powder referring to the powdery white bloom on leaves, young stems and inflorescences.

DistributionIt is found in two quite separate areas of New South Wales, the Lithgow to Bathurst area and the Monaro area (Bredbo to Bombala).
Native habitatGrows in shallow soils as an understorey plant in open forest, typically dominated by brittle gum (Eucalyptus mannifera), red stringybark (E. macrorhyncha), broad-leafed peppermint (E. dives), silvertop ash (E. sieberi) and apple box (E. bridgesiana).
DescriptionA distinctive mallee or small tree that grows to approximately 6 m in height. It has round to heart-shaped, stalkless, paired, waxy, blue-green juvenile leaves which are retained on mature plants. This is unusual for a eucalypt although adult leaves do occur rarely in some individuals. The large cream-coloured flowers occur in clusters of three, followed by large grey-blue gumnuts.
Flowering/fruitingFlowers in winter and spring.
Location in gardenBed 29 on the Connections Garden.
Garden ExplorerView Eucalyptus pulverulenta on Garden Explorer