Common Name: Rose Mallee
Family: MYRTACEAE
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Origin of Scientific Name
Eucalyptus – (Greek) Eu – well, and calyptos – covered, referring to the operculum or cap which covers the stamens in the bud.
rhodantha – (Greek) rhodo – rose coloured, and anthos – flower.
Description
Eucalyptus rhodantha is a low, spreading mallee that grows to 4 metres high. The stems are smooth greyish white, and the foliage, greyish white tinged with blue or green.
The large flowers, up to 7.5 centimetres across, are typically pink to bright red but can be cream or white, and are comprised of filaments, with very visible bright yellow anthers. The operculum which covers them, and is eventually forced off by their elongation, as in all Eucalypts, is made of the fused petals and sepals. The Rose Mallee generally flowers from July to January, though can often flower as early as March. It produces copious amounts of nectar which attracts birds and other nectar feeders.
Though common in cultivation and urban horticulture, the Rose Mallee is very rare in nature, with as few as 400 individual plants in four or five populations in the northern wheatbelt of Western Australia, mostly on cleared agricultural land or roadside verges which do not provide a secure habitat.
Horticultural tips
- Plant in full sun in sandy, well-drained soil.
- Prefers a warm, dry climate.
- Protect juvenile plants from frost.
For more horticultural tips view our Plant Notes section.
View in Kings Park
Visit Kings Park and Botanic Garden to see Eucalyptus rhodantha in the Western Australian Botanic Garden entry bed, south of the entry path; opposite Roe carpark and adjacent to Roe lawn; and adjacent to the Kings Park Education carpark (refer to map).
Want more information?
Refer to the profile for this plant on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions' FloraBase online herbarium.
