Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority

Common name: Darling Range Ghost Gum

Family: MYRTACEAE

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Origin of Scientific Name

Laelia – the name of a vestal virgin

Description

Eucalyptus laeliae, or the Darling Range Ghost Gum, is a small to medium sized tree that grows on the western side of the Darling Range. With growth of up to 20 metres, this well shaped tree grows naturally in granite and heavy soils, in cultivation it has proven to adapt to the sandy soils found in Kings Park.

The trunk is smooth, powdery and usually white in colour, but transforms during the cooler autumn months, displaying a pastel yellow hue to delight passers-by. The trunk is an iconic feature which engenders interest from many people and also makes a great addition to any landscape as a specimen, grove or small scale avenue.

The floral display of the Darling Range Ghost Gum is profuse clusters of soft, white bristly flowers during the summer months. This tree can be purchased commercially from specialised Australian plant nurseries, and the seed from specialised seed merchants.

Horticultural tips

The quality of the stock plant should be considered when purchasing, in order to avoid disorders and defects.
The Darling Range Ghost Gum is suitable for growing on a range of different soil types, provided they are well drained.
Grow this tree in a full sun aspect.
When this tree is in its juvenile stage, it may become susceptible to an insect attack called 'leaf blister'. Generally this condition does not require treatment with the tree able to outgrow the damage caused.

For more horticultural tips view our Plant Notes section.

View in Kings Park

Visit Kings Park to see Eucalyptus laeliae as a sapling on Wadjuk Way and at the entry to Bush Base at Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park (refer to map).