Smooth branched ironbark | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Myrtales |
Family: | Myrtaceae |
Genus: | Eucalyptus |
Species: | E. dundasii |
Binomial name | |
Eucalyptus dundasii L.A.S. Johnson & K.D.Hill |
Eucalyptus dura, also known as the smooth-branched ironbark, or gum-topped ironbark, is a Eucalyptus tree of eastern Australia. It is a relatively uncommon tree found on dry ridges and mountainous regions of north-east New South Wales and south-east Queensland, particularly around the McPherson Range and peaks such as Mount Greville.
A medium-sized tree, it can grow to 15 metres (50 ft) tall. Major trunks have a dark, hard bark that is furrowed. In contrast, smaller branches near the top of the canopy have smooth white bark (hence the names "smooth-branched" and "gum-topped"). Leaves are alternate, concolorous (same colour in each side) or slightly discolorous and semi-glossy. The leaves range in size from 15 to 30 millimetres (0.6 to 1.2 in) long. The woody fruits are 7–10 mm (0.28–0.39 in) long.
The leaves of E. dura are rich in oils, particularly β-phellandrene and 1,8-cineole. These oils may be suitable for development of a bacteriostat.
Deeply furrowed, tough bark from the lower trunk of Eucalyptus dura
Smaller branches of Eucalyptus dura are smooth and silvery-grey near the canopy.
Small, pear-shaped capsules with ribs of Eucalyptus dura