E. bosistoana: information for growers

Eucalyptus bosistoana (Coast grey box) is a species which grows best on fertile, sheltered sites and produces Class 1 durable timber - timber which is hard, heavy and attractive. E. bosistoana is the first species to be clonally propagated as part of the NZDFI's genetic improvement programme. 

 

Improved E. bosistoana seed and seedlings available for growers

The first generation of XyloGene-branded improved E. bosistoana seed and seedlings produced by NZDFI's breeding programme are available for growers to purchase. Visit our XyloGene pages for more information.

Site requirements

  • Frost tolerance: Minus 6 degrees
  • Rainfall min and max:  600 - 2500 mm/year
  • Soil type/drainage: Prefers fertile well drained soils. Can tolerate periodic flooding
  • Wind tolerance: Moderate (all eucalypts grow better on sheltered sites).

Matching eucalypt species to site is essential for good tree survival and growth.  E. bosistoana is quite a site-demanding species, so care is needed. Watch our video below, make sure you know your proposed planting site, then ideally talk to an experienced grower or nurseryman before purchasing trees.

Establishment and silviculture

Follow our establishment guidelines for good establishment success.

E. bosistoana may form pruning, especially if unimproved stock is planted. Little clearwood pruning should be necessary if growing post and pole wood. For high quality sawlogs, some clearwood pruning at an early age may be necessary.

Read our form-pruning guidelines and watch some videos.

Pest and disease threats

E. bosistoana is susceptible to two pests currently found in New Zealand, paropsis beetle and Eucalypt Variegated Beetle (EVB). NZDFI research has shown the importance of site/species matching for insect resilience.

Timing of flowering/potential to support bees

E. bosistoana flowers in late summer/autumn.

Timber properties and markets

Durability

Note:  Durability is a complex parameter; NZDFI’s research into heartwood formation will improve our understanding of factors determining durability.

Appearance

  • Heartwood is dark brown/pink
  • Sapwood pale brown/pink
  • Fine even texture with interlocked grain.

Applications

Poles and posts, heavy engineering, structural uses, crossarms, railway sleepers, vineyard and fence posts.

NZDFI have also been researching the potential for E. bosistoana  as a component of laminated veneer lumber (LVL).

More information

Natural range

E. bosistoana's natural range is confined to coastal mixed forests along the south-east coast of mainland Australia, between the altitudes of 0-500 metres.

Cultivation in New Zealand

E bosistoana was selected for the NZDFI breeding programme based on its high durability, apparent wide site tolerance, and good early growth in NZDFI trial plantings in Marlborough.

Historically E. bosistoana has been planted on a small scale throughout New Zealand. There is good anecdotal evidence of its adaptability to a range of site types.

The best trees exhibit excellent form; in general form is variable.

It is performing well in early NZDFI trials (2003-04 plantings) in Marlborough, and various other NZDFI trial plantings.

Genetic improvement of E. bosistoana by the NZDFI

E bosistoana is a leading species in NZDFI’s breeding programme.

Proseed NZ Ltd planted three hectares of grafted elite selections of E. bosistoana in 2016. These selections were made from the top 18 families first identified in NZDFI’s 2009 breeding populations. Many individuals are now flowering and producing seed. This XyloGene-branded seed is available to purchase - visit our XyloGene site for more details.

Proseed have also succeeded in producing clonal plants from cuttings of elite E. bosistoana trees.  In spring 2018, over 3000 elite clonal plants of E. bosistoana were planted in new trials in Marlborough and several other regions.

Read more about our breeding programme here.

Wood properties

The following wood properties relate to Australian native timber. Data for NZ plantation timber are not yet available.

  • Shrinkage: tangential - 7.0%, radial - 4.0%
  • Density: 1100 kg/cubic metre
  • Stiffness: 21 Gpa
  • Hardness:  13 kN
  • Bending strength: 163 MPa
  • Compression strength: 73 MPa

 

 

E. bosistoana flower buds and bloom.

E. bosistoana flowering.

E. bosistoana seed capsules.

Prolific flowering and seed production.

Mature E. bosistoana.

Mature E. bosistoana, Whangarei.

15-year-old E. bosistoana log.

E. bosistoana and E. quadrangulata ready for peeling at Nelson Pine Industries.

E. bosistoana veneer - a potential component of LVL.