Eucalyptus gamophylla flourishes in very demanding environments, mostly in Central Australia.
Very hardy, even by mallee standards, it is one of several (quite different) mallee eucalypt species that are commonly known as “blue mallee”.
As you can see, blue is not its only hue.
It is not hard to see why florists and flower arrangers seek out its leaves.
Before the later-arriving humans gave it a Latin/scientific name, the Arrernte already had a more vivid one.
Whereas gamopylla refers to the “marriage” of its leaves, the Arrernte name – Tyertepe (pronounced CHUR-tup) – describes the way its stems pass through its leaves, as though speared.
Discover more, here.
Photo is copyright Doug Spencer, taken in Trephina Gorge at 10.48 am on 14 June 2023.