Flat-topped yate Eucalyptus occidentalis

E. occidentalis, also known as Flat-topped yate or swamp yate, is a mallee tree that typically grows to height of between 4 to 25 metres. The main trunk has flaky fibrous bark with the branches having smooth yellow-grey bark. The branches often have a widespread  form which gives the crown a flat shape, thus one of the common names.

The true Yate tree is Eucalyptus cornuta, but E. occidentalis, bushy yate E. lehmannii, river yate E. macrandra, and warty yate E. megacornuta are also known as Yates.

The name ‘Yate’ is derived from the Noongar also Nyungar name for the tree -  "mo", "yandil", "yeit" or "yate".

It produces cream-white flowers usually between September and May.

It is found in the wild in the Great Southern area of WA – generally between Denmark and Esperance – and north into the Wheatbelt and the Goldfields. It prefers alluvial flats or floodplains, low-lying wet areas and around salt lakes – thus the other common name. It is also found in the adjacent hilly and rocky areas.

The tree was planted in the Park in 20089.

Sources

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ (DBCA) Flora data base notes its conservation status is Threatened - https://florabase.dbca.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/5723

Atlas of Living Australia - https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://id.biodiversity.org.au/taxon/apni/51440640

Source: JungleDragon - a nature and wildlife community for photographers - https://www.jungledragon.com/specie/32440/yate.html

Gardner, C. A. (1987). Eucalypts of Western Australia. Perth, Western Australia, Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Agriculture.

Source: https://eranurseries.com.au/eucalyptus-occidentalis/

Eucalyptus occidentalis in the Park