Eucalyptus astringens (Maiden) Maiden – brown mallet

Eucalyptus astringens or brown mallet is a mallet species tree typically growing to a height of 15m although can get as tall as 25m. The diameter of the truck is typically 0.7 m, but can reach 1 m. It is endemic to Western Australia, distributed south-east of Perth from Brookton to near Albany and as far east as Hopetoun (see distribution map) in the 300 to 400 mm rainfall zone.

Flowering has been recorded from July through to November.

A mallet is a small (usually less than 10m) Eucalyptus tree often found in semi arid areas, which is a similar habitat to the mallees. A mallet different from a mallee in that a mallet forms a single narrow stem or trunk whereas a mallee forms multi stems.

Unlike mallees, mallets rarely form a lignotuber. This is a woody swelling at the base of the tree below or just above the ground. It contains ‘adventitious’ buds i.e. new buds normally appear much higher in the tree but these ones are a useful adaption that allow the tree to develop new shoots if the top of the plant is breaks off or is burnt.

In the wild it grows on the hills and flats that have lateritic soil as woodland or open forest.

The bark is generally smooth pale shiny grey over salmon to brown. Often there is small curled flakes of dead bark stuck to the lower trunk.

It produces oil from oil glands in the glossy green leaf surface.

The wood is very hard and strong and has been commercially grown for use in tool handles, mining timber, as well as general farm purposes.

The bark has a high tannin content and has been previously used commercially.

It was planted in the Park in 2009.

Source of information:

Flora of Australia https://profiles.ala.org.au/opus/foa/profile/Eucalyptus%20astringens

Forest Products Commission Species information - https://www.wa.gov.au/system/files/2020-09/FPC-species-information.pdf 

EUCLID Eucalypts of Australia Fourth Edition - https://apps.lucidcentral.org/euclid/text/entities/eucalyptus_astringens_subsp._astringens.htm

Eucalyptus astringens in the Park