The Tallowood trees are currently flowering at Booyong and they are lovely! The Tallowwood tree (Eucalyptus Microcorys) is a primary food of koala’s, a medium to tall forest tree that can grow 35-60m in height and 1-2m wide. It’s name is derived from the greesy feel of the wood when cut. As you can see from the picture, the bark is rough and reddish-brown in colour. It is soft and fibrous and has pounted fine leaves. The local bees lovely the flowers as so the native birds.
The tree flowers from May to December, with creamy white clusters and is found on the fringes of rainforests. The tree is more shade tolerant than other Australian Eucalypts.
They are favourable to wildlife habitats with flowers being appreciated by honeyeaters, lorikeets and flying foxes. They also produce good honey!
The wood is quite durable and is used constructively for flooring, poles and decking.
More information can be found on the NSW Government fact sheet