Practical
Plants

Eucryphia lucida

Leatherwood

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Eucryphia genus in the family Eucryphiaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
moderate
Height
10 m
Spread
4 m
Fertility
Bees
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees

Uses

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Antiseptic, styptic[4].

Product or use
Antiseptic
Product or use
Styptic

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Can be grown as a hedge[6].

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Secondary canopy

Environment

Range
Australia - Tasmania.
Habitat
Forests, often along river banks, at low altitudes[2][8].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 8+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow February in a greenhouse. The seed should be stored cool and dry over the winter. Germination is usually good[11]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 6 - 8cm with a heel, June/July in individual pots in a frame. Roots in 5 - 6 weeks. A variable percentage succeed[11]. Layering in late summer. Takes 16 months. High percentage[11].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Requires an open but sheltered position and a light moist lime-free soil[2][8]. Succeeds in any free open loamy soil[1]. Prefers its base in the shade with its canopy in the light[9]. Requires plenty of light if it is to flower freely, tolerating almost full sun if the soil is cool and moist[2]. Strongly resents dryness at the roots during the growing season[3]. Requires a sheltered position when grown in the colder areas of the country[9]. This species is hardy to about -10°c[8], succeeding outdoors in the milder areas of Britain south and west of London[2]. The leaves and young shoots are very resinous[2]. The honey-like perfume of the flowers pervades the air for some considerable distance[10]. Hybridizes with other members of this genus[9]. A good bee plant[5][7]. Some named forms have been selected for their ornamental value[8].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  3. ? The Plantsman. Vol. 5. 1983 - 1984. Royal Horticultural Society 1983-00-00

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  4. Lassak. E. V. and McCarthy. T. Australian Medicinal Plants.

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  5. Cribb. A. B. and J. W. Useful Wild Plants in Australia. William Collins Pty Ltd. Sidney 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-00-216441-8

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  6. Wrigley. J. W. and Fagg. M. Australian Native Plants. Collins. (Australia) 1988-00-00 ISBN 0-7322-0021-0

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  7. Taylor. J. The Milder Garden. Dent 1990-00-00

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  8. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  9. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  10. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

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  11. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

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