Eucalyptus conferruminata (Bushy Yate), often confused with
Eucalyptus lehmannii, is a fast growing tree, reaching 20 to 30
feet tall and up to 30 feet in spread, nearly twice the size of
lehmannii. This tree needs little water, does not mind salt spray,
and can grow on salty mud flats. Because it bears foliage down to
ground level, it is commonly used as a windbreak or screen, and can
be seen along San Francisco Bay wetlands, the Shoreline Trail in
Mountain View, and throughout Berkeley and beyond.
'Conferruminata', meaning 'welded together', refers to the
cluster of seed pods that always appear in odd numbers. Eucalyptus
conferruminata opercula, 8-13mm wide, are larger than those of the
Eucalytpus lehmannii (4-7mm wide). The numerous seeds shed through
valves on the top of these pods, and are wind dispersed.
Special thanks to Blazeland for setting me straight on this
species.
Please be careful to replace the cache exactly as you find
it.
