Origin
Eucalyptus loxophleba Benth. ssp. loxophleba, commonly known as the York gum or the drooping-leaved red gum, is a type of eucalyptus tree that is native to Western Australia. It is found growing in areas with a Mediterranean climate, such as the Wheatbelt, and can be found ranging along the coast from Geraldton to Esperance.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the York gum or the drooping-leaved red gum. The name "York gum" comes from the town of York in Western Australia, where the species was first collected. The name "drooping-leaved red gum" refers to the plant's droopy foliage and its red wood, which is a characteristic of many eucalyptus species.
Uses
Eucalyptus loxophleba Benth. ssp. loxophleba has a number of uses. Historically, the wood of the York gum has been used for railway sleepers, fence posts, and firewood. Its essential oil is commonly used in the perfume industry. Nowadays, the species is gaining increasing importance as a species suitable for agroforestry, as well as a good candidate for metal uptake from contaminated sites. The plant also has cultural significance to the indigenous Noongar people, who use the bark to make tools and the leaves to treat coughs and colds.
General Appearance
The York gum is a tall tree that can grow up to 25 meters in height. Its bark is rough and corky, and often features a grey and brown color scheme. Its leaves are thick and droopy, ranging in color from grey-green to blue-green. The plant produces clusters of small white flowers, which are abundant in the spring. The fruit of the York gum is small and woody, with a cap that covers the seeds. This tree is a beautiful addition to any property.
Growth Conditions for Eucalyptus loxophleba Benth. ssp. loxophleba
Light: Eucalyptus loxophleba Benth. ssp. loxophleba requires full sun exposure to thrive. It cannot tolerate shade, and insufficient light can cause leggy growth and reduced foliage. Planting in a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal.
Temperature: This plant species is native to dry, arid regions of Australia and can handle high temperatures. However, it can also survive in cooler climates with winter temperatures as low as -7°C. Frost can damage young plants, so it is best to avoid exposure to extreme cold until it reaches maturity.
Soil: Eucalyptus loxophleba Benth. ssp. loxophleba can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils. It cannot survive in water-logged or poorly drained soils. Sandy loam or loamy soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5 are ideal. The soil should be amended with organic matter to enhance nutrient availability and moisture retention capacity.
Water: This plant requires regular watering during the establishment phase, but it is drought-tolerant once established. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to avoid planting in areas with poor drainage. Watering should be reduced during the dry season.
Fertilizer: Eucalyptus loxophleba Benth. ssp. loxophleba can grow well without fertilizer. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer during the initial planting phase can enhance growth and establishment. It is best to avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Cultivation
Eucalyptus loxophleba Benth. ssp. loxophleba, commonly known as the York gum, is native to Western Australia and is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 12 meters (39 feet) in height. It prefers to grow in well-drained soil and full sun exposure.
The tree can tolerate average soil moisture levels, but it is important to avoid waterlogged soils as they can cause root rot. When planting Eucalyptus loxophleba, ensure that there is enough space between trees to promote proper air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
Watering needs
Eucalyptus loxophleba is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering once established. Young trees may need to be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
During the hot summer months or extended periods of drought, it is important to water the tree regularly to prevent wilting and reduce the risk of stress-related diseases.
Fertilization
These trees have moderate to low nutrient requirements and do well in nutrient-poor soils. Eucalyptus loxophleba is adapted to grow in Western Australia's low-nutrient soils.
If necessary, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring to promote growth and development. However, it is recommended to have a soil test done to determine if fertilizer application is necessary.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary unless the tree needs shaping or dead or damaged branches removed. Any necessary pruning is best done in winter or spring to promote new growth during the growing season.
When cutting branches, make sure to use sharp and clean tools to avoid damaging the tree. Use a pruning saw or loppers to make clean cuts at the base of the branch, avoiding leaving a stub or tearing the bark as this can lead to infection or disease.
Propagation of Eucalyptus loxophleba Benth. ssp. loxophleba
Eucalyptus loxophleba Benth. ssp. loxophleba, commonly known as Yellow Box, is a popular species among horticulturists. The plant is versatile and can be propagated through various methods including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Yellow Box produces tiny seeds that have a hard coating and require some pre-treatment to promote germination. The seeds require scarification, which is a process of softening the seed coat, to break the seed dormancy. This can be achieved by soaking the seeds in hot water or by lightly abrading the seed coat with sandpaper.
After scarification, the seeds should be sown in a well-draining seed-raising mix and placed in a warm, humid environment. The seeds should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take up to 4-6 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves taking cuttings or grafting to produce new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant. Yellow Box can be propagated through hardwood cuttings, softwood cuttings, and grafting.
Hardwood cuttings are taken in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. They are cut from the previous season's growth and should be about 15-30 cm in length. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before insertion into a well-draining propagation mix. The cuttings need to be kept moist and in a warm and humid environment until roots form.
Softwood cuttings can be taken in spring or early summer and are cut from the current season's growth. They should be about 10-15 cm long and have two leaves on the stem. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and inserted into a well-draining propagation mix. They should be kept in a warm and humid environment until roots form.
Grafting involves joining a scion (a cutting from the desired plant) with a rootstock (a seedling root from a hardier plant). The two plant parts are matched and secured together, and the area of attachment is covered to maintain humidity and promote healing. Grafting is usually done in early spring when the plants are actively growing.
Propagation of Yellow Box is relatively easy and can be done through either seed or vegetative methods depending on the horticulturist's preference.
Disease Management
Eucalyptus loxophleba Benth. ssp. loxophleba is generally resistant to many diseases. However, some common fungal diseases that affect this plant are cankers, rust, and leaf spot.
Cankers: Cankers are caused by the fungus Cryphonectria cubensis and can cause stem dieback or death of the entire plant. Management of cankers can be done by pruning out the affected stems and cleaning pruning tools to avoid spreading the fungus to healthy parts of the plant.
Rust: Rust is caused by Puccinia psidii and can cause yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and premature leaf drop. The management of rust can be done by removing and destroying affected leaves as soon as possible, minimizing leaf wetness, and avoiding planting in areas with high humidity.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella spp., leading to the appearance of circular to irregular spots on the leaves, which eventually become necrotic and fall off. To manage leaf spots, affected leaves should be collected and destroyed immediately, and the plant should be kept free of moisture by providing proper irrigation and drainage.
Pest Management
Eucalyptus loxophleba Benth. ssp. loxophleba is vulnerable to attack by both sucking and chewing pests. Some common pests that attack this plant include eucalyptus longhorned borers, eucalyptus weevils, and psyllids.
Eucalyptus Longhorned Borers: These are beetle larvae that tunnel into the wood of the tree and cause significant damage to the plant's structure. Management of longhorned borers can be done by applying insecticides such as imidacloprid to the roots of the plant or systemic insecticides to the leaves.
Eucalyptus Weevils: These are small beetles that chew on the leaves of the plant. To manage these pests, affected leaves should be collected and destroyed immediately, and chemical control may be exercised if the infestation goes beyond the threshold level.
Psyllids: These are small sap-sucking insects that cause curling, yellowing, and stunting of leaves. Management of psyllids can be done by pruning out affected branches, providing regular irrigation, and introducing predators such as ladybirds and lacewings.
