Eucalyptus platypus (Moort)
Eucalyptus platypus (Moort)
Eucalyptus platypus is a Western Australian tree 4-10 metres high by 5-10 metres wide. It flowers from spring through to autumn, the flowers being creamy yellow as in the varieties growing around here, to greenish yellow. Apparently there is a red form also which is rare but would be beautiful given how floriferous this plant is.
This tree is fast growing and particularly suited to heavy soils. It tolerates some water logging and is hardy to drought and most frosts. It is highly resistant to smog. The trees respond well to pruning and coppicing. They have many uses including shelter belts and wind erosion control. The foliage grows low down on the plant giving the impression of a large shrubby tree. This aspect makes it a great plant for wind breaks. It is also a good plant for bee keepers.
Love your site & the great work you are doing. Photos are excellent. If possible it would be great to also see a photo showing the form of the plant (tree / shrub / groundcover etc..) as your photos give great detail of the flowers & foliage.
Hi. Can you please advise whether I can propagate the e. platypus by cuttings. I am revegetating a large block after a bushfire, and have access to a tree.
Seed is the only way of propagating Eucalypts unless you have access to much more specialised equipment.
How far back can I cut the tree and still get grow back e.g. what size branch can I cut?
Hi Suzette,
You can cut the whole tree back to ground level if you want to. However the resultant new growth will be multiple stems. As they grow some will die off and you will soon see some dominant branches which will be the new framework of the tree. It is probably best not to go back thatfar unless you have to. So the quick answer is any thickness.
Thank you
Was suppized to hear we have red flwering platypus growing localy,infact they bought me some flowers,the flowers thr flowers on this tree are very attractive
Has anyone had a problem with 5 yr old playpus dropping leaves and eventually dying. If so is there anyway to save the 4 m tall sick tree???
How sensitive to frost is the plant? Will it take 5 to 7 degree in the Canberra region. Should ithave protection from frost when youg and then survive as it ages?
We have some heavy frosts here but the lowest I can recall is -5C. I suggest a cover until the tree is quite established.
What is the lifespan of this tree please?
I am currently travelling interstate so I don’t have my reference books with me. The Euc platypus has a mallee form and like most mallee trees, once established, can grow quickly and survive many decades. They are moderately frost tolerant but cover the young plant until established if a heavy frost is expected. They are also moderately drought tolerant and will thrive once established. Water as needed in the first year (or two if dry conditions prevail).
I did a google search on that image. It gave me Eucalyptus olida. Strawberry gum.
Here are two subspecies of Eucalyptus platypus from reliable sources. Many website just google the name and pick the most common image. I have noticed this to the case quite often. It is easy to do because I have done it.
This is Eucalyptus platypus subsp platypus.
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/18551
This is Eucalyptus platypus subsp congregata
http://esperancewildflowers.blogspot.com/2013/01/eucalyptus-platypus-subsp-congregata.html
Here are two subspecies of Eucalyptus platypus from reliable sources. Many website just google the name and pick the most common image. I have noticed this to the case quite often. It is easy to do because I have done it.
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/18551
http://esperancewildflowers.blogspot.com/2013/01/eucalyptus-platypus-subsp-congregata.htm
Hi Is it true that Koalas like Eucalyptus platypus even though it isn’t a species that grow in areas that are natural habitat for Koalas?