Common Name: Water Gum

General Information

Water gum is a slow-growing evergreen tree growing up to 18 metres tall. The bole can be 30 - 60cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its timber. It is planted for ornament in the subtropical areas of its range[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland.

Habitat

Creek banks and forest openings[]. Moist, well-drained sites[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A tree of the warm temperate to tropical zones. Trees from the cooler parts of its range are able to tolerate at least some frost[].
Prefers a position in full sun, but tolerates light shade[]. Tolerates a variety of moist soil types from well-drained rocky soils to heavy clay loams[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The dark coloured wood is hard, tough, and close-grained. The wood is generally sound to the centre; it is very difficult to season, but when dry it is of singular closeness and toughness[]. It is used for tool handles, cogs of wheels, etc[]. It is apparently well adapted for all machinery purposes[].
We have no more specific information for this species, but the heartwood of trees in this genus is generally pink brown, gray brown, red brown, or dark red; the sapwood is pink or red brown, lighter than the heartwood, but not always sharply demarcated. The texture is medium to fine; grain interlocked, sometimes wavy; somewhat lustrous; without characteristic odour or taste[]. The wood is generally difficult to saw and machine because of high density, cutters may dull rapidly; it dresses to a smooth surface; turns excellently[]. The heartwood is generally reported to be resistant to attack by decay fungi and termites[]. It is used for flooring, pallets, heavy construction, specialty items (pulleys, rollers, bearings, sheaves, tool handles)[].

Propagation

Seed - normally germinates after three or four weeks. No special pre-sowing treatment is needed[]. The seed should be sown in a loose, well-drained propagation mix at a depth equal to the diameter of the seed. When the seedlings reach a height of 1 - 2 cm they should be pricked out into a large container until they have grown to a size suitable for planting out[].

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