Variation in some central Victoria populations of Eucalyptus viminalis labill

Abstract

E. viminalis occurs over a wide range of rainfall conditions and soil types in south-eastern Australia and exhibits considerable variation in form. A study of 11 populations in central Victoria shows that at moist, well-drained sites mature trees are tall and smooth-barked, have three-budded inflorescences, and produce large leaves and fruits. At drier sites trees are shorter and more rough-barked, sometimes have inflorescences with buds numbering from three to seven, and tend to produce smaller leaves and fruits. The results of a comparison of fruit collections made in successive years indicate that capsule size can vary significantly at any one site. It is suggested that the size differenc..