Messmate (Eucalyptus obliqua, Sert. Angl.: 18 (1789))

Family: Myrtaceae

Author: L’Hér.

Bibliography: Sert. Angl.: 18 (1789)

Year: 1789

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Eucalyptus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Lesser Sunda Is. (Timor), SE. Queensland to SE. Australia

Description

Messmate, scientifically known as Eucalyptus obliqua, is a remarkable species belonging to the Myrtaceae family. This resilient tree has established its presence across a diverse range of geographic locations, including the Lesser Sunda Islands, particularly Timor, and extending towards southeastern Queensland to southeastern Australia.

First described by the notable botanist L’Hér. in 1789 in the publication “Sertum Anglicum,” Messmate has since become recognized for its significant ecological and economic roles. The plant is primarily found in Eucalyptus-dominated forests, often flourishing in regions characterized by moist, fertile soils. Its adaptability to different environmental conditions underscores its resilience and contribution to forest biodiversity.

Messmate is easily identifiable by its oblique-shaped leaves, a characteristic that influenced its specific nomenclature ‘obliqua’. These leaves are a feature contributing not only to the tree’s identification but also to its survival in varied climatic conditions. The bark of the tree is typically rough and stringy, which serves as a defense mechanism against environmental stressors.

Ecologically, Messmate provides essential habitat and food resources for various fauna, including numerous bird and insect species. Its flowers, which blossom in creamy-white clusters, attract nectar-feeding birds and insects, contributing to the pollination processes within its ecosystem. Additionally, the wood of Messmate is highly valued in the timber industry for its durability and workability, making it a sought-after material for construction and furniture.

In summary, Eucalyptus obliqua, commonly known as Messmate, stands as a vital component of its native habitats. Its extensive distribution from Timor to southeastern Australia highlights its adaptability and importance. Recognized since the late 18th century, Messmate continues to be a species of interest for both ecological and commercial purposes.

Common Names

Eng: australian-oak, tasmanian-oak, black-box, browntop, browntop stringybark, messmate, messmate stringybark, messmate-stringybark, messmate-tree, mountain-ash-of-victoria, stringybark, brown-topped stringybark
Por: eucalipto, eucalipto-de-folha-falcada, eucalipto-gigante
En: Messmate, Broad-leaved messmate, Messmate stringybark, Tasmanian Oak, Australian-oak, Tasmanian-oak, Black-box, Browntop, Browntop stringybark, Messmate-stringybark, Messmate-tree, Mountain-ash-of-victoria, Stringybark, Brown-topped Stringybark
Zh: 斜叶桉, 澳大利亞橡樹
Fi: Viiste-eukalyptus
He: אקליפטוס נטוי
Pt: Eucalipto, Eucalipto-de-folha-falcada, Eucalipto-gigante
Ru: Эвкалипт косой
Sv: Tasmansk väneukalyptus
Zh-hant: 斜葉桉

Synonyms

• Eucalyptus obliqua var. megacarpa (Blakely)
• Eucalyptus fabrorum (Schltdl.)
• Eucalyptus falcifolia (Miq.)
• Eucalyptus heterophylla (Miq.)
• Eucalyptus obliqua var. degressa (Blakely)
• Eucalyptus decaisneana (Blume)
• Eucalyptus pallens (A.Cunn. ex DC.)
• Eucalyptus nervosa (F.Muell. ex Miq.)
• Eucalyptus procera (Dehnh.)

Distribution

• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• Queensland (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Tasmania (native)
• Victoria (native)
• Kenya (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Raffaella D’Ambra (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Raffaella D’Ambra (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Raffaella D’Ambra (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Raffaella D’Ambra (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 29, 2022 by daphne habibis (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3176354)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:593175-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eucalyptus obliqua L’Hér.)

Specifications

Growth