Eucalyptus microcorys

Tallowwood
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Myrtales
Family:	Myrtaceae
Genus:	Eucalyptus
Species:	E. microcorys
Binomial name
Eucalyptus microcorys F. Muell.

Tallowwood or tallowood (Eucalyptus microcorys) is a Eucalypt species native to and common in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. It grows in forests near the coast on moderate to fertile soils in a protected, sunny position.^[1] Tallowwood is drought and frost tender.^[2]

It is a tall evergreen tree growing to 40 metres, occasionally to 70 m,^[3] with rough, fibrous, soft and spongy orange bark and a dense crown. The leaves are 8–12 cm long and 1.5-2.5 cm broad. The flowers are produced in umbels of 7-11.^[1]

Tallowwood is so named owing to the greasy feel of the wood when cut. It is one of the species whose leaves are used for food by Koalas.

Tallowwood log of the size that it is estimated to be required to build an Australian cottage, Dorrigo, NSW

The bark of a Tallowwood tree

Uses

The timber is naturally oily with a high tannin content and is heavily used for decking and, recently, garden furniture. It has a distinct yellowish-brown to olive-green colour. The leaves can be used to dye wool and silk.

The nectar of tallowwood is much prized by apiarists.

Propagation is by seed.

References

1. New South Wales Flora Online: Eucalyptus microcorys by K. Hill, Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney, Australia.
2. Bodkin, Frances (comp), Encyclopaedia Botanica, Angus & Robertson, 1986, ISBN 0-207-15064-8
3. Boland et al. Forest Trees of Australia.