February 2011

Eucalyptus erythrocorys

Common name: Illyarie

(also Red-capped Gum)

Family: MYRTACEAE (c. 150 Genera)

Origin of Scientific Name

Eucalyptus - Greek eu = well + calyptos = covered, referring to the operculum or cap covering the stamens in the bud.

erythrocorys – Greek erythro = red + corys = helmet, referring to the operculum.

Description

Small tree or mallee 3 to 8 metres high, with smooth, creamy new bark, oxidising to brown and often with rough patches of darker bark. Leaves are dark green and sickle-shaped. The large, scarlet-red flower buds are rectangular in shape and precede squarish yellow flowers up to 7 centimetres across in groups of three with the stamens in four bundles, one at each corner. The flowers are then followed by helmet-shaped fruit.

Distribution

North of Perth, near Dongara, and also north of Kalbarri National Park where it grows as a mallee. Refer to the distribution map for this species via the Department of Environment and Conservation's FloraBase online herbarium.

Flowering Season

February to April

Cultivation/Propagation

Easily propagated from seed and well-suited to cultivation in Perth.

View In Kings Park

• First car park on right hand side of Lovekin Drive, coming from Lord Forrest roundabout.

• Opposite Lord Forrest roundabout between long vista and Lovekin Drive.

• Directly north of Roe Car Park adjacent to Forrest Drive.

• Ivey Watson Playground.

To help locate these sites, you may download the Western Australian Botanic Garden Guide brochure via our brochures page.

Notes

Illyarie is prone to breakage in storms and high winds during flowering season, due to the weight of flowers and fruit.