Eucalyptus camphora subsp humeana

Eucalyptus camphora subsp humeana or Mountain Marsh Gum is native to southern Australia. Its natural habitat is the moist soil of marshy mountainous regions. The species name camphora comes from the fragrant camphor essential oil present in its leaves. It is a very vigorous species that grows from 1.5 to 2 m (4 ft 11 in to 6 ft 7 in) per year. It quickly forms a tree 10 m (32 ft 10 in) tall, but ultimately (after many decades), it can reach up to 20 m (65 ft 7 in) in moist soil. The shape of its heart-shaped juvenile leaves is very decorative. Its buds and young shoots are golden and purple. Its adult foliage is lanceolate and olive green. You will also appreciate its pretty white pompon flowers. It is hardy to -13° (8.6 °F) to -15° (5 °F) C at maturity. It grows in moist to marshy, heavy and clayey soils, but also in dry soil. It tolerates prolonged submerged periods.

Eucalyptus camphora subsp humeana is a species native to the marshy valleys of New South Wales and Southern Victoria in Australia. Like all Eucalyptus, it belongs to the myrtaceae family. Its growth is very fast, forming a small tree measuring about 10 m (32 ft 10 in) in height and 4.50 m (14 ft 10 in) in width within a few years, depending on the growing conditions. Its bark is rough towards the bottom and brown-to-grey. Where it is smooth, it is grey to green. The juvenile leaves are rounded, cordate, green to blue-green. The adult leaves, pendulous, large and thinner, are elliptical or lanceolate. They measure from 6 to 15 cm (2.4 to 5.9 in) long. They are apple green to olive green. This foliage gives off a strong camphorated scent when crushed. The flowering spreads from November to May, depending on the climate and the years, generally February-March. The flowers are grouped in 3s at the axil of the leaves in white glomerules. This eucalyptus has a lignotuber just below the surface of the soil. This organ allows it to grow again from the stump in case of severe frost, fire or pruning to the ground. This species is said to withstand snow and cold well. Its root system is not very extensive, is less dangerous for buildings and creates less competition for other garden plants. And its vegetation only offers very light shade.

Eucalyptus camphora subsp humeana grows in the sun, but also tolerates semi-shade quite well. Plant it alone in a medium to large size garden. Its heart-shaped juvenile leaves are very popular with florists and in floral art. It brings an elegant touch to the garden and is easy to contain by pruning. Finally, it is an ornamental plant at all stages of its growth. Undemanding regarding the soil, it is useful in a permanently wet area, but can quite be grown in normal to drier soil.

Do not confuse this subspecies camphora subsp humeana with the eucalyptus camphora subsp camphora which will not exceed 10 m (32 ft 10 in) in height.