Applebox

Eucalyptus bridgesiana, commonly called apple box, is a medium to large evergreen tree in the Myrtaceae family reaching 20-25 m in height. The trunk and larger branches are clad in rough, mottled grey-and-white persistent bark, while smaller branches shed smooth grey bark in ribbons. Juvenile foliage consists of sessile, opposite, egg-shaped to almost circular, glaucous bluish-green leaves, while adult leaves are alternate, petiolate, lance-shaped, glossy green, and 120-200 mm long. From February to March it produces small white flowers borne in axillary umbels of seven buds, followed by small hemispherical woody fruit capsules. The species develops a lignotuber, allowing regeneration after fire or damage. It is endemic to open woodland and grassy forest of southeastern Australia from southern Queensland through New South Wales to Victoria, typically on heavier soils in valleys and lower slopes. The flowers are an important source of high-quality honey for apiarists.