Eucalyptus Pilularis, Blackbutt - 0.5 kg Seeds

Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis) is a tall, straight-stemmed eucalypt of coastal eastern Australia, named for the dark, rough bark that persists on its lower trunk while the upper bole is smooth and pale. It is a premier Australian structural and flooring timber, valued for strength, durability and an attractive honey-coloured grain.

In India it is grown in the cooler, higher-rainfall hill tracts and subtropical zones where deep, fertile, well-drained soils are available, rather than in the hot dry plains. It is raised mainly for sawn construction timber, poles and shade, and its abundant blossom supports honey production.

• Family: Myrtaceae
• Native region: coastal eastern Australia
• Mature height: 30–45 m
• Growth rate: fast

The fine seed germinates readily without pre-treatment in warm conditions, though a short cool-moist chill can improve evenness; surface-sow it mixed with sand on a sterile, free-draining mix and leave it uncovered for light. Keep the seedbed moist and lightly shaded, with emergence in roughly 7–14 days. Move seedlings into polybags at the few-leaf stage and harden off before field planting at the start of the rains.