Common Name: Square Fruited Mallet

Family: MYRTACEAE

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Origin of Scientific Name:

Eucalyptus – (Greek) eu – well + calyptos – covered, referring to the bud cap which is released as the flowers open.

brandiana – named after Grady Brand, Senior Curator of Kings Park and Botanic Garden in recognition of his contribution to the horticulture and display of WA flora.

Description

Eucalyptus brandiana is a distinctive single-stemmed tree to 5 metres with a conspicuous crown and attractive smooth shiny bark that is silver grey with bronze stripes. This eucalypt has extraordinarily large, thick, glossy green leaves not unlike Ficus leaves, and very large fruits and flowers up to 5 cm across. These start off as pendulous red four-winged buds, but the flowers themselves are bright pink and appear sporadically throughout the year, peaking in spring. In cultivation flowering can occur as late as January and February.

All known populations of this tree are located within Fitzgerald River National Park on the south coast of Western Australia; as such, it is listed as a Priority species by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

The Square Fruited Mallet was described and published as a species in its own right in 2009 by ecologist Nathan McQuoid and Professor Stephen Hopper (former BGPA Chief Executive Officer). It was named after Grady Brand, Senior Curator of Kings Park and Botanic Garden in Perth.

Horticultural tips

• Germinates readily from seed, in a cool environment.
• Plant in well-drained soils in a sunny position in late autumn to early winter.
• Ensure plant has deep watering twice a week through the first summer into autumn.
• Once established it should only require supplementary watering during extended dry periods.
• This species is regularly sold at the Friends of Kings Park plant sales.

For more horticultural tips view our Plant Notes section.

View in Kings Park

Visit Kings Park and Botanic Garden to see Eucalyptus brandiana in Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park, Wadjuk Way and the South Coastal Flora garden bed within the WA Botanic Garden (refer to map).

Want more information?

Refer to the profile for this plant on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions' FloraBase online herbarium.