Eucalyptus melanophloia

(Silver-leafed Ironbark)

Description

This tree is readily identified by the dark deeply furrowed bark and the bluish, ovate to broadly lanceolate leaves which are opposite one another and sessile on mature trees; from 5-9 cm long and 2-3 cm wide, leaf base rarely clasps the stem. The glaucous capsules, 3-8 mm long by 3-8 mm wide, have the valves exserted or level with the rim. There are no ridges on the side of the capsule. A confusing species is E. shirleyi, which has a ridge on the side of at least some capsules, also the leaves are larger and clasp the stem and the growth form is usually stunted.