Grey Box - Eucalyptus Microcarpa is a medium sized tree growing up to 25m in height; its trunk is generally straight and can be up to half the height of the tree. The bark is grey and scaley, rough and persists over much of the trunk, box-type but the upper bark is smooth. The bark is shed every year from the smaller branches. The new smooth bark is white or light grey. The leaves are bluey-green in colour.
Buds appear in early December for flowering at the beginning of March and last until late May, sometimes flowering into winter - the tree is known as a short budder, as it produces buds for the current season. Buds form on peduncles in groups of 7, grouping together to form clusters that are diamond shaped. (8-12mm). The flowers are white. The fruit produced are roughly cylindrical, about 7-8mm x 4-5mm.
Grey Box is widespread on the drier side of the Dividing Range in south eastern Australia. It is used for shade, shelter, timber, firewood and honey production. The species is slow growing but drought and mild water logging tolerant.
