Queensland peppermint
Eucalyptus exserta, Fam. Myrtaceae
Small to medium tree to 25m, but more commonly 10-15m, sometimes a mallee. Fibrous, persistent bark on trunk and usually on all but the smallest branches. Though this species can be a half bark, bark often looks somewhat untidy and patchy. Frequently shows evidence of termites. The common name is reminiscent of the smell when the leaves are crushed.
| Weed Category: | |
| Weed: | No |
| Form or habit: | Small tree, Med tree |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Leaf: | Alternate, narrow, lanceolate, concolourous, greyish green. Juvenile leaves are very narrow. Crushed leaves have a strong peppermint smell. |
| Flower conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Flower colour: |
White |
| Flower description: | Axillary, unbranched, white flowers. Bud cap is conical and about twice as long as wide. November to February. |
| Fruit conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Fruit colour: |
Brown, Green |
| Fruit: | |
| Fruit description: | Green turning brown capsules, more or less globular with a broad disc and markedly exserted valves. |
| Habitat: | Open forest, woodland. |
| Distribution | Queensland, New South Wales. |
| Food source for: | It is one of the preferred fodder species of the koala. |
| Toxicity: | No toxicity known |
| Origin: | Australia. |
| Notes: | Grow from seed. It is of minor importance as a source of honey and of moderate importance as a pollen source for honey bees. The timber is pale pink brown, hard, durable but somewhat brittle. |
| Information sources: | Melzer R. & Plumb J. (2007) Plants of Capricornia. |
