June 2009

Eucalyptus caesia

Common name: Caesia, Silver Princess

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.

caesia - (feminine form of) Latin caesius = bluish-grey.

Description

A mallee, 1.8 m to 14 m high with pendulous branches and ‘minni-ritchi' bark - a type of reddish brown bark that continuously peels in small, curly flakes, leaving the tree looking like it has a coat of red, curly hair.

Sickle-shaped, bluish-grey/mid-green leaves. Flowers are up to 50 mm across and vary from pink to red, though white-flowered plants have been reported. Flowering is followed by large, urn-shaped ‘gumnuts' to 30 mm.

Previously divided into two subspecies, a taxonomic revision has removed this division. The weeping form, which was formerly known as subsp. magna, is now the one commonly referred to E. caesia ‘Silver Princess'.

Distribution

Fairly sparse populations in the Central Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, on granite outcrops. Although commonly grown as ornamental native plants, they have become rare in the wild (Priority 4: whilst being rare (in Australia), are not currently threatened by any identifiable factors).

Flowering Season

May to September.

Cultivation/Propagation

Grown easily from seed sown all year round in temperate climates, avoiding the very hottest months and the very coldest in areas prone to frost.

Pests and Diseases

Prone to wind damage.

View in Kings Park

You can view this plant at the entrance to the Botanic Garden or in the Wheatbelt Flora beds along Lovekin Drive. To help locate these sites, you may download the Western Australian Botanic Garden Guide brochure via our brochures page.

Note

This is a good plant for attracting nectar-feeding birds into your garden.