Queensland hardwood properties - major commercial species [2]

Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis) is grown in plantations in the Coffs Harbour - Urunga districts in northern NSW, where it comprises about 40% of the total plantation resource for NSW. It occurs naturally between Bega in southern NSW and Maryborough in Qld. It is also grown commercially in plantations in New Zealand.

Gympie Messmate (Eucalyptus cloeziana) is a large hardwood occurring naturally in coastal Queensland from Gympie to the Atherton district. Its heartwood is durable, and its sapwood not susceptible to lyctid borer attack. Suitable for general construction, sleepers, poles, etc.

Rose gum (Eucalyptus Grandis) (also called flooded gum). Comprises about 30% of the total plantation stock for NSW. It occurs naturally from the Central Coast of NSW to northern Qld. Heartwood is moderately durable. Less mature timber suitable only for internal applications. Suitable for panelling, joinery, furniture, general construction. A hybrid of this species, E. urophylla, is being cultivated extensively in plantations in Brazil. Other countries cultivating it include South Africa and Malaysia.

Spotted gum (Corymbia citriodora) (also called lemon scented gum). Occurs naturally on the poorer clay subsoils of the east coast from the Victoria-NSW border to the Maryborough district in Queensland. Heartwood is durable. Suitable for heavy piles, poles, shipbuilding, agricultural machinery, flooring, plywood, axe handles.

More Online Information

For information on the properties of major Queensland grown hardwood species - set-out in an easy to read table [1] - follow this link to The Queensland Forestry Research Institute site.

For information on pests and diseases of major Queensland grown hardwood species [1], follow this link to The Queensland Forestry Research Institute site (Includes photographs and descriptions). Among other information, find out about the Christmas beetle - a pest in young gum trees in south east and north Queensland.

For more detailed properties follow these links [3]. The information and photos of the sawn timber are copyright Timber Research Unit, School of Architecture, University of Tasmania.

Blackbutt: follow this link; Spotted Gum: follow this link

Next >> other Oz hardwoods

Glossary

heartwood: the hard wood at the core of a tree trunk.

native: An animal or a plant that originated in a particular place or region.

plantation: A large group of cultivated trees or plants.

sapwood: In a woody plant, the softer part of the wood between the inner bark and the heartwood, and is usually lighter in color and more active in water conduction than the heartwood.

Citations

[1] Queensland Forestry Research Institute (Queensland Department of Primary Industries) (2000, October). Hardwoods Queensland [WWW Document] URL http://www2.dpi.qld.gov.au/forestry/gettingresults/products.html

[2] Rainforest Information Centre (RIC) (1999, December) RIC Good Wood Guide ["Australian Grown Plantation Timber Species"] [WWW Document] URL http://forests.org/ric/good_wood/ (visited January, 2001).

[3] School of Architecture, University of Tasmania (Australia) (2000). Species Detail [WWW Online database] URL http://oak.arch.utas.edu.au/tech/species.html

Copyright D. L. Christiansen [Last updated February 2001] Images: respective copyright owners noted/cited.

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