Strawberry Gum is cultivated for its wonderfully aromatic foliage, which is rich in flavourful essential oils with antioxidant and antibiotic properties. The leaves are said to have a scent and flavour reminiscent of Strawberry and Passionfruit, and they have a wide range of culinary uses. They can be used fresh or dried for longer-term storage. Strawberry gum adds a delightful flavour as a spice in jams, desserts, confectionery, cakes, syrups, or can be added to herbal teas. Strawberry Gum has a small native range in the mountains of northern NSW, growing in the Gibraltar Range National Park and the Timbarra Plateau, where it is locally abundant. Its native environment consists of montane woodlands, with much of its range located above 1,000 metres in elevation. This means that, despite being situated in the otherwise subtropical northern NSW, it naturally experiences regular frosts throughout winter and occasional light snowfall. Strawberry gum is reported to tolerate temperatures as low as -8°C and is suitable for both temperate and subtropical climates. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The plant is hardy in poor soil conditions, native to shallow granite soils that are well-drained but infertile, acidic, and often dry. However, it thrives in well-draining loam soil and benefits from a protected position shielded from strong winds. Although relatively small compared to many other Eucalyptus species, Strawberry gum can still potentially reach heights of up to 20 metres, though it often remains smaller and can be pruned to size. It features distinct, stringy, fibrous grey bark, typical of many Eucalyptus trees. The foliage is characteristic of the Eucalyptus family, with lanceolate, semi-glossy evergreen leaves and attractive purplish-red new growth. Harvesting and pruning can be combined into a single action, allowing gardeners to both collect the delicious leaves and prune the tree for shape, helping to maintain a small, dense, bushy form.
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Hortiforum 