Swamp messmate (Eucalyptus robusta, Spec. Bot. New Holland 4: 39 (1795))

Family: Myrtaceae

Author: Sm.

Bibliography: Spec. Bot. New Holland 4: 39 (1795)

Year: 1795

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Eucalyptus

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Queensland to E. New South Wales

Description

Eucalyptus robusta, commonly known as the Swamp messmate, is a notable tree species belonging to the Myrtaceae family. First described by Sm. in “Spec. Bot. New Holland” in 1795, this robust plant is native to southeastern Queensland and eastern New South Wales in Australia.

The Swamp messmate thrives in its native range, which is characterized by swampy and waterlogged soils, lending it its common name. This species exhibits adaptability to a variety of environmental conditions, making it a resilient member of the diverse Eucalyptus genus. The tree typically features a thick, fibrous bark that is both rugged and visually distinctive, contributing to its robustness and capacity to endure in less-than-ideal soil conditions.

Eucalyptus robusta is recognized for its significant ecological value. The dense canopy and extensive root system provide excellent habitats and stabilization for soil in wetland areas, playing an essential role in maintaining the health and balance of these ecosystems. The leaves are lanceolate, glossy, and dark green, often releasing a characteristic eucalyptus scent when crushed, which is common to numerous species in the Eucalyptus lineage.

Additionally, the Swamp messmate produces conspicuous, white to creamy flowers that develop into woody capsules housing seeds. These flowers are typically seen during specific flowering seasons and are known to attract a variety of wildlife, including bees and birds, thus facilitating pollination and biodiversity.

In terms of practical applications, Eucalyptus robusta has been utilized for its timber, which, while not as high-grade as some other eucalyptus species, is still valued for various uses, including pulpwood and occasionally rough construction where durability in moist conditions is crucial. The tree’s resilience and ecological benefits make it a valuable species not only for natural landscapes but also for managed forestry and land rehabilitation projects.

Overall, Eucalyptus robusta stands out for its ecological importance and adaptability, serving as a pivotal component within the ecosystems of southeastern Queensland and eastern New South Wales while also providing practical uses for humans. Its contributions to biodiversity and environmental stability underscore the importance of conserving and understanding this robust tree species.

Common Names

Fra: eucalyptus des marais
Eng: swampmahogany, swamp messmate, swamp stringybark, swamp-mahogany, swamp-messmate, swamp mahogany
Por: caoba-das-planícies, eucalipto, eucalipto-da-flor-grande, eucalipto-de-folhas-largas, eucalipto-do-brejo, eucalipto-robusto, mogno-branco
Swe: klockspelseukalyptus
En: Swamp messmate, Swamp stringybark, Swamp-mahogany, Swampmahogany, Robusta Eucalyptus, Swamp-messmate, Swamp Mahogany, Beakpod Eucalyptus, Robust eucalyptus
Af: Robusta bloekom
Ar: أوكالبتوس متين
Zh: An, 大叶桉
Fi: Viimaeukalyptus
Fr: Eucalyptus des marais, Gommier robuste
Fa: اوکالیپتوس جویباری
Pt: Caoba-das-planícies, Eucalipto, Eucalipto-da-flor-grande, Eucalipto-de-folhas-largas, Eucalipto-do-brejo, Eucalipto-robusto, Mogno-branco
Sv: Klockspelseukalyptus
Zh-tw: 大葉桉

Synonyms

• Eucalyptus multiflora (Poir.)
• Eucalyptus rostrata (Cav.)
• Eucalyptus robusta var. bivalvis ((Blakely) Blakely)
• Eucalyptus robusta var. rostrata ((Cav.) Pers.)
• Eucalyptus multiflora var. bivalvis (Blakely)

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Comoros (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Easter Is. (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Gambia (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Malawi (introduced)
• Morocco (introduced)
• Mozambique (introduced)
• Nicaragua (introduced)
• Nicobar Is. (introduced)
• Pakistan (introduced)
• Panamá (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Rwanda (introduced)
• Sardegna (introduced)
• Senegal (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Uganda (introduced)
• Zambia (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken May 16, 2019 by Martinez Correa Joaquin Rodrigo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-sa)

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

Taken Jun 21, 2022 by gary wright (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2022 by Eva C.Canales (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Lisa Giovannoli (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 22, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2022 by gary wright (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 11, 2021 by Romuald Michaud (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 1, 2018 by Emilie Corlay (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2022 by gary wright (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by anugrah dhandi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2020 by Kouddad (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2022 by gary wright (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 13, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

© 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/3176743)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:593318-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eucalyptus robusta Sm.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Stem

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 4.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 5