Square Fruited Mallet (Eucalyptus tatraptera) 50 seeds
 
 
Description The Square-fruited Mallet is a small upright tree growing to about 5 m. It has smooth bark and a trunk that is unusually square when juvenile. Its leaves are very large (20 cm long and 5 cm wide), thick and rigid and are a dark, glossy-green with a well-defined mid-rib. The form and foliage, combined with its bright red buds and large fruit are attractive features of this tree. Flowers Flowers appear in the leaf axils and take several months to develop. When nearing maturity they are an attractive feature—bright red and square-shaped with prominent ‘wings’ at each corner. The operculum (bud cap) is a pyramid shape and when it falls it reveals many long bright pink stamens forming the flower. The fruits are large, attractive and winged. Growing conditions This is a tree from the south coast on free-draining soils, so a well-drained site is advisable. E. tetraptera prefers a sunny open position, but can tolerate some shade. It should be planted in late autumn to early winter when rains are expected. Watering Water well at the time of planting and monitor the moisture in the soil during the first winter and spring. Ensure the tree has a deep watering twice a week in the first summer and into the following autumn until rains return. Once established it should only require supplementary watering during extended dry periods. Pruning As this is a small tree with an upright habit it should not require pruning. Fertiliser Apply 8-9 month slow-release fertiliser at time of planting and thereafter annually if necessary for the soil-type. Pests and diseases This species can be susceptible to scale. Miscellaneous The term mallet refers to a form of tree that has a single trunk and lacks a lignotuber. It is applicable to particular types of trees occurring only in Western Australia. The word mallee, however, is used to describe trees that grow several branches from a lignotuber at the base of the plant forming a number of trunks
 

This packet contains approx. 50 seeds
 

Care and propogation notes included