White stringybark
White stringybark () is a moderate-growing Eucalyptus preferring 800 mm or more of rainfall annually and is suitable for most soil types, but requires some clay content at depth. It is not recognised as a plantation species in Victoria but is a preferred New Zealand plantation eucalypt.
Table 1: General characteristics for White stringybark
Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
Botanical name | Eucalyptus globoidea |
Growth rate in preferred conditions | Moderate |
Estimated rotation length (yr) in preferred conditions to produce 60 cm diameter at breast height | 30+ |
Preferred annual rainfall (mm/yr) | 800+ |
Minimum rainfall (mm/yr) | 700 |
Preferred elevation (m) ASL | 0–300 |
Preferred landscape position | Mid-lower slope. Handles upper slopes relatively well. |
Preferred soil | Requires some clay content at depth |
Prohibitive soil | Periodically waterlogged |
Poor drainage tolerance | Low |
Dry site tolerance | High |
Frost tolerance | Moderate to high |
Pest and disease problems: trees planted on unsuitable sites are more prone to insect and disease issues | Light brown apple moth (leaf roller). Phytophthora cinnamomi |
Table 2: Timber characteristics for White stringybark
Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
Strength: seasoned timber only | SD3: moderately high |
Durability: in ground | above ground | 3 | 2 |
Drying: green to 12% moisture content | Needs careful drying. Reconditioning needed to overcome collapse. Shrinkage about 5% radial and 9% tangential |
Main commercial products | Structural uses, cladding, flooring, decking, poles and posts, firewood |
Bushfire resistance: measured by bushfire attack level (BAL) | Not available. Probably similar to other stringybark species (i.e. yellow and brown). |
Least attractive features | Susceptibility to ringbarking by cattle. High susceptibility to Phytophthora cinnamomi. |
Most attractive features | Good form. Sapwood not susceptible to lyctid borer. |
Status as a plantation species | Not recognised as a plantation species in Victoria. A preferred NZ plantation eucalypt. |
Note: Timber characteristics and durability are based on Australian Standard: Timber Natural durability ratings (AS 5604–2005). Refer to the Appendix for an explanatory table. Where (?) applied, rating is based on field experience.
Note: Bushfire resistance measurement is based on naturally bushfire resisting timbers, which are those with inherent bushfire-resisting properties. For more information refer to Australian Standard 3959:2018.
Assumptions and notes
- Sites considered for planting contain at least one metre of soil above an impeding layer (e.g., bedrock or layer impenetrable to roots).
- Please note that most (if not all) eucalypts in Gippsland grow best on sheltered sites.
- Overall slow drying time across air and kiln-dried schedules is recommended to minimise drying degrade. This is the best starting point for inexperienced operators.
References
Beadle CL and Brown AG (eds) 2007. Acacia utilisation and management: adding value. RIRDC Publication No. 07/095, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.
Boland DJ et. al (1992). Forest trees of Australia. CSIRO Australia.
Bootle KR (1983). Wood in Australia – Types, properties and uses. McGraw Hill, Australia
Carnegie AJ (2002). Field guide to common pests and diseases in eucalypt plantations in NSW. Research and Development Division of State Forests, NSW.
Clarke B, McLeod I and Vercoe T (eds) 2009. Trees for farm forestry: 22 promising species. RIRDC Publication No. 09/015. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.
Mortimer J (2003). A selection of alternative timbers. Taitua Books, NZ.
National Association of Forest Industries (2004). Timber species and properties, revised edition. Timber Manual Datafile P1
Nicholas ID, Gifford HH and Kimberely MO (1997). Siting black walnut. FRI Bulletin no. 188
Phillips C (1996). Insects, diseases and deficiencies associated with eucalypts in South Australia. Primary Industries SA Forests.
Poole B, Waugh G and Yang JL (2017). Potential for growing and processing durable eucalypts in New Zealand. Publication No. SWP-T036. Solid Wood Innovation. Specialty Wood Products Research Partnership.
Reid R (2017). Heartwood. The art and science of growing trees for conservation and profit. Melbourne Books.
Tepper CJ (2002). Plantation eucalypt species for solid wood products – a profile of Eucalyptus muelleriana. Gottstein Fellowship Report for the Gottstein Memorial Trust
Tepper CJ (2008). Site Matching and Establishing Eucalypt Sawlog Species in Southern Australia. In Beadle CL and Brown AG (eds) 2008. Plantation eucalypts for high value timber. RIRDC Publication No. 08/113, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.