Woolewoorrng

~ Eucalyptus miniata ~

Woolewoorrng in the Miriwoong language

MYRTACEAE

The Woolewoorrng flower is a widespread and iconic blossom of the tropical Top End during the dry season, a season known to the Miriwoong People as Warnka-mageny. The fruit is a food source for the stunning Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii), who you’ll see on p. 82. The flaming scarlet blossoms are also a source of nectar for many nectarivorous animals throughout the colder months.

WHERE TO LOOK

The Eucalyptus miniata is a dominant tree throughout the savanna and woodlands within the Top End. It will be found in predominantly sandy soils from the Central Kimberly in Western Australia, across to the Arnhem Coast of the Northern Territory, through the Gulf Country of Queensland and over to the far east of the Einasleigh Uplands. It’s usually in the company of Turkey Bush (see p. 41) and the Yellow Kapok Tree (see p. 115).

Locations → WA: Crocodile Creek in the Kimberley and Mirima (Hidden Valley) National Park; NT: Kakadu National Park (particularly Mardugal campgrounds) and Litchfield National Park.

FEATURES

This sturdy cyclone-proof tree can grow 6–20m and features a single trunk with its lower half a rough fibrous bark and the top half a smooth light grey. This protects it from fire, as does the plant’s lignotuber, which helps it resprout after damage. The Woolewoorrng’s greenish-brown leaves are classically Eucalypt, scented and ellipse shaped, measuring 30–60 mm. Pear-shaped buds explode with 35mm scarlet-orange blossoms in groups of three, five and seven. Dark-grey to black seeds up to 7mm are held within a woody barrel- or urn-shaped fruit measuring 33–60mm. This capsule is powdercoated white in its youth and ages to grey.

FLOWERING SEASON

Winter and spring → Their blooms can be seen lighting up the woodlands from May to September.

TRADITIONAL USES

According to Parks Australia, the Bininj/Mungguy People of the Northern Territory, this tree has been valuable for its edible seeds and medicinal inner bark, as well as its sturdy timber (for the making of didgeridoos). The tree’s flowering season has also been used as an indicator to begin managing the land with fire to avoid wildfires later in the dry season.

PLANTING

The Woolewoorrng is a great tree to plant in the warmer climates to combat erosion and bring exceptional flowers to the landscape. Seeds are available online and in specialty nurseries, and need no special treatment. They are easy to grow and germinate in around ten to 28 days.