About Eucalyptus tetraptera Turcz.
Eucalyptus tetraptera Turcz. is a low, straggly mallee that typically grows 1 to 3 metres (3 feet 3 inches to 9 feet 10 inches) tall, and reaches a similar width. It usually has a single low-branching trunk covered in smooth grey or whitish-grey bark. Young plants and coppice regrowth have egg-shaped to broadly elliptical petiolate leaves that are 50–120 mm (2.0–4.7 in) long and 25–70 mm (0.98–2.76 in) wide. Adult leaves are alternately arranged, the same shade of glossy green on both sides, thick, and lance-shaped to oblong. They measure 90–250 mm (3.5–9.8 in) long and 28–75 mm (1.1–3.0 in) wide, and their base tapers to a narrowly flattened petiole 30–45 mm (1.2–1.8 in) long. Flower buds are arranged singly in leaf axils on a rigidly down-turned peduncle 5–60 mm (0.20–2.36 in) long; the peduncle is often wider than it is long. Mature buds are cubic with broad, curved wings, measuring 34–65 mm (1.3–2.6 in) long and 20–40 mm (0.79–1.57 in) wide, and have a pyramid-shaped operculum 15–30 mm (0.59–1.18 in) long. Flowering occurs from late winter to mid-summer, and produces red to pink flowers. The fruit is a woody, red, sessile, oblong capsule, 35–55 mm (1.4–2.2 in) long and 25–55 mm (0.98–2.17 in) wide when including the wings on each corner. This species, commonly called square-fruited mallee, has a limited distribution restricted to coastal sandplains and granite outcrops of southern Western Australia. Its range extends north from the Stirling Ranges, south to around Albany, and east to Israelite Bay, within the state's Great Southern and Goldfields-Esperance regions. It grows in white or grey sandy soils in heath habitats. Eucalyptus tetraptera is considered one of the most unusual eucalyptus species, with striking large red buds and fruit. It is a popular ornamental plant. It grows well in full sun in semi-arid climates, but grows more slowly in cooler climates. It is resistant to smog and frost, and can be grown in containers. As the plant becomes straggly with age, it can be cut back to ground level to stimulate rejuvenation. This plant is available commercially as both seedlings and seeds. Like most eucalypts, its seeds germinate readily.
