ClimateWatch

An initiative of Earthwatch Institute

  1. Westgatebiodiversity_swampgum_bark Swamp Gum bark (WestGate biodiversity)
  2. Chrisclarke_inaturalis_e.ovata_flowers_leaves Swamp Gum flowers, buds and leaves (ChrisClarke, iNaturalist)
  3. Flickr_davidfrancis34_swampgum_juvenileleaves Swamp Gum juvenile leaves (DavidFrancis34, Flickr)
  4. Inaturalist_robertpergl_swampgum_adultleaves Swamp Gum adult leaves (robertperg, iNaturalist)
  5. Natureshare_chrisclarke_swampgum_flowers Swamp Gum inflorescence (Chris Clarke, NatureShare)
  6. Natureshare_chrisclarke_swampgum_fruit Swamp Gum fruit (Chris Clarke, NatureShare)

Swamp Gum

Eucalyptus ovata

Appearance

  • Bark: variable, dark and rough at the butt; upper trunk and branches peel in ribbons.
  • Size: Small to medium, 20 metres tall.
  • Juvenile leaves: Short-stalked, almost circular.
  • Adult leaves: Thick, glossy, dark green, ovate shaped, usually has a wavy edge
  • Flowers: Cluster of 3-10 (often 7), white.
  • Fruit/seeds: Usually cone-shaped with a flat top

 

 

What to Observe

  • First fully open single flower
  • Full flowering (record all days)
  • End of flowering (when 95% of the flowers have faded)
  • No flowering
  • Fruiting

 

 

 

ClimateWatch Science Advisor

In a warming climate we expect plants to delay emergence until later and start flowering earlier in the year because of climate change warming the Earth. They may also start disappearing in areas, as warmer temperatures suppress growth and development and their ability to renegerate.

Help scientists answer the question: "How are our animals, plants and ecosystems responding to climate change?"

When To Look

Flowers March - November

Note: ClimateWatch is looking for any changes in the timing of these events so remember to keep a lookout all year!

Where To Look

Widespread: Coast to foothills, especially on soils poorly drained in winter, alluvial flats, valleys, flat areas

Note: ClimateWatch is looking for any changes outside of their known ranges so remember to keep a lookout beyond these regions too!

Sightings

References

  • Costermans, L F 1966, Trees of Victoria, 3rd edn, Costermans L F, Melbourne.
  • Experts consulted: ClimateWatch Science Advisory Panel

Links

  1. Search Species

  1. What Else?

    Similar-looking species include: 

    • E. camphora - this species is smaller with smaller fruit and a less upright form.
    • E. strzleckii and E. bunyip – distinguished by leaves: glandular (secretory structure on the surface, smooth, shiny, bead-like outgrowth), discolourous (leaf sides are different colours) juvenile leaves, glaucous (blue-green colour) new growth of adult leaves.
    • E. brookeriana – distinguished by the glossy green, minutely scalloped (repeated convex curved pattern), glandular, discolourous juvenile leaves.

  1. Did You Know?

    Lowland Leadbeater’s Possum and Helmeted Honeyeater feed on the flowers of this species, which flowers at a different time from the Mountain Swamp Gum.  This overlap of flowering time provides food across an extended period for these creatures.