Messmate - Eucalyptus Obliqua varies in height, around exposed coastal regions it grows to 4m, in forests it is a massive tree up to 60m. The trunk is usually straight and about two thirds of its height. The brownish bark is rough, thick and fibrous and persists to the smaller branches. This tree is often thought as a stringybark, but its fibers are shorter. The adult leaves are much longer (100-160mm) than wider (15-35mm), thick and dark, slightly glossy green in colour.
Buds are produced about 12 months before flowering, flowering occurs mid January ending in February. Amongst beekeepers it has been known as the 12 day wonder, producing large quantities of nectar during its peak flowering period. The buds are club shaped on a short thick pedicel forming in groups of 7-11. (7 x 4mm). The flowers are small and white. The club shaped fruit have a capping disc that is depressed. (11 x 9mm).
Messmate grows in higher rainfall areas, the southern half region of Victoria and the site condition determines tree height. The timber is pale brown, straight grained and often labeled as Tasmanian Oak and used in the timber industry.
