Eucalyptus racemosa aka Scribbly Gum

Eucalyptus racemosa is a tree that stays green year-round. It belongs to the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Its common name is snappy gum. It is native to southeastern Queensland and eastern New South Wales. Kew puts it in the subtropical climate zone. Plants For A Future notes it grows on coastal sands. Those sites lie between Sydney and Newcastle. The same source reports growth in poor soils.

The tree grows fast and keeps its leaves all year. The evidence gives no height or crown width at full growth. Nor does it describe the bark, leaf shape, or fruit. Each flower has both male and female parts. Bees move pollen between the flowers. The source does not say which months bring blooms. These gaps limit the account of its form and seasonal appeal.

Choose a site in sun; this tree cannot grow in shade. It likes soil that drains well but holds some moisture. Soil with a fair level of nutrients suits it. It copes with poor ground, too. It can grow in sand, loam, or clay. The stated pH range is mildly acid to mildly alkaline. It prefers soil close to neutral. Once well rooted, trees cope with drought. This includes dry soils that hold few minerals. The source also says it copes with moist and wet soil. Even so, it still needs soil that drains well.

Plants For A Future lists sunny woodland edges as garden sites. Its ability to grow in poor soil may guide site choice. The source does not confirm that it withstands cold in Britain. It gives no firm cold limit or hardiness zone. Its guide says to sow seeds under glass in February or March. Move the young plants into their own pots while still small. It then says to plant them out in early summer. Shield young trees from cold through their first winter.

The source records no edible uses for this species. Plants For A Future gives it an edibility score of zero. It reports resin rich in tannins, with an astringent effect. This means it can make body tissues tighten. Past uses include care for diarrhoea, an inflamed bladder, and cuts. These reports do not show that home use is safe. The hazard notes discuss eucalyptus oils as a group. They do not show this species’ toxicity to people or pets. The evidence gives no pest or disease details for this species.