Eucalyptus obliqua – Messmate

Growing in a range of conditions, Eucalyptus obliqua can be found from wet areas to dry sclerophyll forests.

Commonly called Messmate, it grows all along the east coast of Australia from Queensland, through New South Wales and Victoria to Tasmania and South Australia.

This is a tall growing tree to 30 – 40 metre in height in good conditions. A mature specimen will form tall upright trunk and a dense canopy of foliage.

Characterised by grey string bark, green foliage and white flowers in spring to summer this is a favourite tree for bee keepers, with Messmate Honey being popular.

Timber is used for flooring, construction as well as furniture. Timber colour will vary from a pale brown to yellow depending from where in the trunk it is cut.

Eucalyptus obliqua Common Names

This is a tree with a number of common names, some are listed, including some traditional names :

Wangnarra (Woi wurrung), Katakatak (Gunaikurnai), Daagonj (Taungurung), Australian Oak, Brown Top, Brown Top Stringybark, Messmate, Messmate Stringybark, Stringybark and Tasmanian Oak

Care

Although best growth will occur in moist fertile soils, Eucalyptus obliqua, once established, will grow well in areas where it experiences extended dry conditions.

In good soils with moisture Eucalyptus obliqua will grow with a tall straight trunk, in poor soil, shorter with a more branched habit.