Tree identification manual - North East Downs Landcare Group

Silver leaf ironbark
Botanical name
Eucalyptus melanophloia
Areas
3, 5 & 7
Usual flowering time
December - February
Distribution
Widely spread throughout Queensland specially the open forest country of SE Queensland, often in pure
stands. Found mainly growing on the less steep slopes.
Description
Height: Up to 12.5 metres.
Bark: Black, hard, deeply furrowed bark.
Leaves: Paired, silvery or pale-grey, heart-shaped at the base, with very little stalk.
Inflorescence: Flowers in small bunches at the ends of the twigs.
Fruit: Medium sized silvery coloured fruit with concealed valves.
Distinctive features
An ironbark with oblong or broadly rounded paired silvery or pale grey leaves with minimal stalks. Often this
tree has poor form and appears straggly.
Vegetation community
Mountain coolibah woodland to shrubby woodland. Often mixed with narrow leafed ironbark or carbeen.
Associated soils
Soils occupied by this community vary greatly in type and depth, the most common being shallow to
moderately deep (30-60cm), often stony, self-mulching alkaline grey brown earths. Much of this community
has been cleared and the land is under cultivation.
Local example
This species can be found on the hills around Meringandan.
NOTES: Not useful for timber, but a good shade tree. Often carries high levels of insect pests which are
useful for bird food.
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