Long-leaf box

Rainfall
500mm.
Growth rate
Moderate.
Growth height
Up to 15m.
Presence in Australia
In most of the region except in the far west and north-west.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: NSW, ACT, Vic, SA.
Habitat
Open grassy or sclerophyll woodland. Dry shallow soils on sloping sites.
Habit
Trees to 15m high with fibrous flaky grey bark with whitish patches, shedding in short ribbons above. Narrow green adult leaves.
Similar species
Long-leaf Box and Silver Bundy are virtually identical except that Silver Bundy has glaucous (white-waxy) buds, fruit and branchlets whereas Long-leaf Box does not. Both are distinguished from Apple Box (E. bridgesiana) by their larger fruits and buds.
Wildlife
Excellent habitat. Foliage is koala forage. Nectar-feeding birds attracted to flowers, which are pollen-rich. Insect-eating birds such as thornbills find insects amongst foliage. White-throated Treecreepers and sittellas glean bark. Fruits and seeds eaten by native birds, particularly parrots. Hollows are nesting and refuge sites for native birds and mammals.
Site preference
Infertile soil on dry and rocky areas. Tolerates drought and moderate frost.
Characteristics
Moderate growth rate. Foliage high in cineole, useful in medicine.
Flowering
White-cream, Mar-May.
Seed collection
Throughout year, particularly summer-autumn. Seeds generally retained.
Propagation
From seed (±127 viable seeds per gram). 250C is optimum germination temperature.
Regeneration
From seed, particularly in absence of competitive exotic grasses or weeds, and during wet summers. Often regenerates on infertile sites due to lack of weed competition. Establishes very well when direct seeded.
Shade and shelter
Useful medium-level cover in windbreaks. Useful shade due to dense canopy and suitability for harsh exposed hilltops.
Wildlife
Excellent habitat. Foliage is koala forage. Nectar-feeding birds attracted to flowers, which are pollen-rich. Insect-eating birds such as thornbills find insects amongst foliage. White-throated Treecreepers and sittellas glean bark. Fruits and seeds eaten by native birds, particularly parrots. Hollows are nesting and refuge sites for native birds and mammals.