Eucalyptus diversifolia
coastal mallee
Overview
Eucalyptus diversifolia is an evergreen mallee, a multi-stemmed eucalypt growing 10-26 feet (3-8 m) tall from a woody underground lignotuber, with several slender trunks and smooth grey to grey-brown bark that sheds in ribbons. Adult leaves are narrow, lance-shaped to curved, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, glossy green on both sides, while juvenile leaves are broader and duller. White flowers about 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) across, made up of many stamens, open in clusters of three to seven from late spring through summer. The woody seed capsules are cup- to bell-shaped, about 0.2-0.4 inch (6-9 mm) across, and persist on the branches. As a mallee, it regrows from the lignotuber after fire or cutting, sending up fresh stems. The species tolerates wind, salt spray, sandy soils, and drought, but grows slowly on poor coastal ground.
Native Range
Native to southern Australia, in coastal and near-coastal South Australia, western Victoria, and southern Western Australia. Grows in mallee scrub, coastal heath, and on limestone and sand dunes, often in exposed, wind-swept positions.Suggested Uses
Grown as a windbreak, screen, and habitat plant in coastal and low-rainfall gardens, spaced 10-16 feet (3-5 m) apart. Used in revegetation, dune stabilization, and shelterbelts on exposed sites. The flowers feed bees and nectar-feeding birds, and the species is grown for coastal honey production.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 26'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight