Eucalyptus coccifera ( Tasmanian Snow Gum ) is an attractive tree native to sub-alpine regions of Tasmania. Tasmanian Snow Gums is a popular species due to their multi-coloured bark and small white flowers that cover the branches during summer. Though native to Tasmania, this species has been successfully grown in all climates across Australia. The tree is also commercially grown for honey production and timber.
Suitable for Cold, Temperate, Mediterranean, Sub Tropical and Tropical climates.
Tasmanian Snow Gums are prolific trees in southern regions of Tasmanian that are at least 1250 metres (4100 feet) above sea level. Mt. Wellington in particular holds a large population and provides the other notable common name, the Mt. Wellington Peppermint tree.
Growth
Eucalyptus coccifera is a frost tolerant native tree that grows to heights of up to 40 metres (130 feet). Tasmanian Snow Gums are very hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to -10°C / 14°F. Natively, they grow atop of mountain ranges, close to the sea so have a higher tolerance to wind and salinity. The leaves are elliptic to lance shaped and are heavily scented of eucalyptus.
Flowers that bloom in summer grow in bunches of between 3-10 and are mainly white but sometimes pink. The fruit is a conical, cup-shaped fruit that can take 9-12 months to ripen on the tree.
FAMILY:
Myrtaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10 to 25°C / 14 to 77°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 40 metres (130 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 8 metres (25 feet)
pH:
5.5-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
10-15 years
GERMINATION RATES:
65-75%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 150
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT EUCALYPTUS COCCIFERA (Tasmanian Snow Gum)
In native conditions, Tasmanian Snow Gum must contend with cold winters and dry hot summers which makes them quite hardy and drought-tolerant.
The strange coloured bark of the species has made it a popular with bonsai enthusiasts.
FACTS ABOUT EUCALYPTUS TREES IN GENERAL
Every year Eucalyptus trees add a new layer of bark and the outmost layer dies and peels off. Many species are viewed as ornamentals due to the colour contrasts of the trees trunks and branches.
Eucalyptus trees make up around 75% of Australia’s forests and have adapted to the seasonal bushfires with the ability to re-sprout directly after a fire.
The word Eucalyptus is from two words from Ancient Greece translated to good conceal or well hidden.
During Captain Cook’s third voyage to Australia in 1777, David Nelson collected the first Eucalyptus specimen to reach Europe. Eucalyptus trees in Australia take up an area bigger than New South Wales and over seven times the size of England.
The majority of Eucalyptus species do well in a wide range of climates and most can withstand a light frost of −5 °C (23 °F).
