This small spreading tree (mallee) has smooth brown trunks with sparse light grey branches that form an irregular opened crown. It has powdery grey, leathery rounded leaves and the large bright red to pink flowers appear singularly from autumn to spring.
Hardiness zones 9 to 10
Eucalyptus rhodanthais a naturally found in Western Australia growing in a restricted area of the south-west province, north of Perth on undulating land and the adjoining hilly slopes.
It prefers an open a sunny position and it grows in very well-drained grey, yellow or red sandy soils that are poor or moderately fertile and are tending acidic. It is a drought and heat resistant but frost tender.
The Rose Mallee is grown for its flowers and attractive foliage. It is planted in small or arid gardens as a specimen along borders for attracting birds or is used in botanical collections. It is suitable to coastal and inland regions and establishes in 3-4 years and is moderately long lived.
It is also used in revegetation programs as it is rare in its native habitat and the flowers and foliage are used in floral arrangements. It prefers a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cool winters but may be difficult to obtain outside its native region, requiring a specialist nursery. ID 3816
Eucalyptus (ew-ka-LIP-tus) rhodantha(rho-DAN-tha)
Note:
This tree is rare and endangered in its native habitat with only 400 specimens remaining. It is threatened by land clearing; drifts from herbicides and pesticides or the root rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi. Steps have been taken to protect the remaining population with fencing against feral animals and replanting.
Myrtaceae(mir-TAY-see-ee)
Myrtle, Eucalyptus, Clove and Guava Family