Eucalyptus argophloia (Western White Gum)

Natural Range – Southern Queensland

E. argophloia is only found naturally in one small area of southern Queensland, northeast of Chinchilla. Mean annual rainfall is 700 mm per year with up to 10-15 frosts occurring each year. It is a medium-sized to tall tree, generally of excellent form, attaining 40 m in height and 1 m dbh. Very little natural forest remains due to conversion to cropping and pasture in the 19th century.

Despite its restricted distribution, the species can grow on a wide range of sites including those with heavy soils. Early growth is slow, but picks up later in the rotation. The species is regarded by Queensland foresters as a good, long-term performer. The wood is a deep-red colour, hard and durable, and is reputed to have high basic density.

It is classed as a nationally threatened species and is protected under the Queensland Conservation Act, so seed collections are increasingly difficult to undertake (Michael Henson pers comm.). Forests NSW established a seed stand of this species in 2004. The species has not been tested in the early NZDFI trials, but it is closely related to E. bosistoana and offers the opportunity to develop hybrids with E. bosistoana that have a broader site/climatic range while exhibiting greater vigour, and enhanced wood properties such as intense colour and durability. Therefore a seed collection of 20 families of E. argophloia has been purchased from Queensland DPI by Proseed NZ ltd and donated to the NZDFI project.