Eucalyptus risdonii

E. risdonii is one of the rare plants introduced into horticulture because of its unusual characters. In its native range, E. risdonii occurs on sands between the Tasmanian cities of Risdon and Cambridge. This area, just north of Hobart, is in a rain shadow, and normally the area is considered to be very dry.

E. risdonii is a small growing tree that can be formed as a mallee. Some authors believe that it can grow to 20m, but the trees thought to be E. risdonii are probably hybrids with E. amygdalina.

Risdon Peppermint is typified by having only juvenile leaves. These leaves are typical stem-clasping leaves without a petiole. With Risdon Peppermint, as the leaves senesce, they remain on the tree, spinning in the wind as they detach. After a few months, in strong winds, these dead leaves will blow off, cleaning up the tree. E. risdonii also has a very handsome trunk, smooth on all parts with patches of white, pale grey and rusty red. It normally has an upright-oval form, and an excellent contrast between the trunk and foliage. Risdon Peppermint is commonly grown in Australia, but most of the plants end up as florestry foliage, rather than as urban trees.

Because of its considerable drought tolerance, small size, excellent foliage and showy bark, E. risdonii should be considered by most horticulturists. It probably is not tolerant of waterlogging or strongly compacted soils, but given free drainage and full sun, it should survive in otherwise-harsh environments.

Excellent specimens can be seen at Maranoa Gardens, Balwyn (City of Boorondara) and George Pentland Gardens, North Frankston.

Typical mature height:

to 8m

Useful in:

streetscapes, parks

Sites for best growth:

well-drained