Eucalyptus boliviana

Eucalyptus boliviana is among the rarest species in the wild in Australia. It has a very limited distribution area and is one of the species on the verge of extinction on Australian soil where, a few years ago, there were still less than 1500 individuals. Recent and rare in cultivation, it is however starting to be distributed in Europe. It develops a tree with a single trunk 12 m (39 ft 5 in) high. Eucalyptus specialists will appreciate its quadrangular stems. The adult leaves, initially dull green, become bright green at maturity. There is still a lack of information about its cold tolerance, it is given as moderately hardy, and drought-resistant. It grows in well-drained soil, even dry and shallow.

Eucalyptus boliviana is a species whose only wild distribution area is in the "Bolivia Hill" nature reserve (hence its name), in New South Wales. It grows at 1200 m (3937 ft) altitude on an east-facing slope, on sandy soils, on outcropping granite rocks. Like all Eucalyptus, it belongs to the myrtaceae family. It measures about 12 m (39 ft 5 in) in height and 5 m (16 ft 5 in) in width, on a single trunk, in cultivation. In nature, it can also form a "mallee", a coppice bush of shoots 5 m (16 ft 5 in) high. This second form in the wild is probably due to frequent bushfires. Its bark is grey and fibrous. Its young winged grey-green branches are characteristic with their square section. The juvenile leaves are ovate, small, blue-green. The bright green adult leaves, pendulous, larger and thinner are lanceolate. This foliage gives off a typical Eucalyptus fragrance when crushed. Flowering is in September in the wild. The flowers are grouped by 3 at the leaf axil in cream glomerules. However, the flowering period is poorly documented in cultivation for this species. Some Australian customers have reported flowering in July. This eucalyptus has a lignotuber just below the soil surface. This organ allows it to start again from the stump in case of severe frost, fire or severe pruning.

Eucalyptus boliviana is a species that has not yet revealed all its secrets, due to its rare presence in cultivation. Like other Eucalyptus, it is an ornamental plant at all stages of its growth, young as an adult, and for collectors who are passionate about this family.