Eucalypts
Few plant groups are as deeply woven into the Australian identity as the eucalypts. With around 900 recognised species across the genera Eucalyptus, Corymbia, and Angophora, they dominate the continent’s forests and woodlands, shaping the scent, sound, and light of the landscape. Their name, derived from the Greek eu (well) and kalyptos (covered), refers to the cap that shields each flower before it blooms - a subtle nod to the quiet resilience at the heart of these trees.
Beyond their ecological importance, eucalypts hold an extraordinary visual diversity: powdery blue leaves, scarlet blossoms, rough and smooth bark, twisted branches, and the silvery shimmer that changes with each shift of light. They are simultaneously delicate and robust, enduring drought, fire, and time.
In my photography, I’m drawn to their contrasts - the soft waxy surfaces against coarse bark, the geometry of seed pods, the muted palettes that reveal infinite variation on closer look. Each image captures a moment of stillness within this ever-changing landscape, a study of form, texture, and the understated beauty that defines Australia’s native trees.
Eucalyptus oxymitra × sessilis A natural hybrid native to Western Australia, this Eucalyptus oxymitra × sessilis displays the distinctive features of both parent species - smooth bark, rounded silvery foliage, and clusters of cream blossoms. Photographed in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth, January 2022. Hybrids like this one highlight the remarkable diversity and adaptability within Australia’s eucalypt genus.
Eucalyptus rameliana (Ramel’s Mallee, bud) Endemic to the arid regions of Western Australia, Eucalyptus rameliana is a small mallee species noted for its smooth bark and striking red flowers that emerge from large, decorative buds. Photographed in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth, January 2022. Its compact form and vivid colouring make it one of the most distinctive eucalypts of Australia’s interior landscapes.
Eucalyptus preissiana subsp. lobata (Quagi Beach Mallee, fruit) Endemic to the south coast of Western Australia, Eucalyptus preissiana subsp. lobata is a compact mallee distinguished by its large yellow flowers and broad, glossy leaves. This photograph focuses on its sculptural woody fruit capsules, revealing the intricate textures and forms that follow the plant’s vibrant bloom. Found in coastal heath near Quagi Beach, this subspecies reflects the resilience and elegance of flora adapted to harsh coastal conditions.
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess who had golden hair. Her best friend was a witch, and she could turn her hair to any shade of pink... Eucalyptus rhodantha, or Rose Mallee, Western Australia native 💖 Photo taken in 2021, Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth, Western Australia.
Eucalyptus rhodantha (Rose Mallee) Native to Western Australia, Eucalyptus rhodantha is a rare and striking species with only a few remnant wild populations remaining. Its large, crimson flowers and silvery, rounded leaves make it one of the most distinctive of all eucalypts. Photographed in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth, April 2021. Often growing as a low mallee, the Rose Mallee embodies both fragility and resilience within Australia’s unique flora.
Eucalyptus rhodantha (Rose Mallee) Endemic to Western Australia, Eucalyptus rhodantha is renowned for its brilliant crimson blooms and soft, silvery foliage. This photograph captures the vivid contrast of a bright red flower against a white background, highlighting the plant’s sculptural form and delicate textures. A rare species with only limited wild populations, the Rose Mallee stands as a symbol of both beauty and vulnerability in Australia’s native landscape.
Eucalyptus rhodantha (Rose Mallee) Native to Western Australia, Eucalyptus rhodantha is instantly recognisable for its vivid crimson blooms and silver-grey foliage. This photograph captures a striking cluster of four flowers, each crowned with golden stamens and emerging from sculptural, cap-like buds. The Rose Mallee is a rare species, surviving in only a few natural populations - a living testament to the beauty and fragility of Australia’s wild flora.
Eucalyptus rhodantha (Yellow form, Rose Mallee) A rare colour variation of the normally crimson Eucalyptus rhodantha, this yellow form reveals the species’ remarkable genetic diversity. Photographed against smooth bark and silvery foliage, the bloom’s pale yellow stamens bring a quiet elegance to the plant’s sculptural structure. Like its red counterpart, this rare mallee is native to Western Australia and grows in only a handful of remnant populations.
Eucalyptus rhodantha (Yellow form, Rose Mallee) A rare yellow-flowering form of the usually crimson Eucalyptus rhodantha, this specimen displays the species’ distinctive bud and silver foliage with a soft, luminous contrast. Native to Western Australia, the Rose Mallee is known for its elegant, pendulous blooms and sculptural buds. This photograph captures the quiet moment before flowering - a perfect fusion of geometry, texture, and restrained colour in one of Australia’s rarest eucalypts.
Eucalyptus rhodantha (Rose Mallee - red and yellow forms) A rare and captivating sight, this Eucalyptus rhodantha bears both crimson and yellow blooms on the same plant - a natural variation that highlights the species’ genetic diversity. Native to Western Australia, the Rose Mallee’s vivid flowers and silvery foliage create a striking contrast, symbolising both resilience and transformation within Australia’s unique flora.
Eucalyptus rhodantha (Rose Mallee - red and yellow forms) Two Eucalyptus rhodantha blooms - one crimson, one pale yellow - hang side by side beneath silver foliage, revealing the rare colour variation within this species. Native to Western Australia and found only in a few wild populations, the Rose Mallee is admired for its sculptural flowers and luminous contrasts. Together, these twin blossoms embody the quiet diversity and fragile beauty of Australia’s native flora.
Eucalyptus macrocarpa (Mottlecah) Endemic to Western Australia, Eucalyptus macrocarpa - commonly known as Mottlecah - is renowned for its large, silky silver leaves and brilliant crimson blooms emerging from sculptural, powdery buds. This photograph captures the moment of opening, as the bud cap lifts to reveal the vivid stamens beneath. With its bold textures and striking contrasts, the Mottlecah stands as one of the most dramatic and iconic of all eucalypts.
Eucalyptus macrocarpa × pyriformis A natural hybrid between Eucalyptus macrocarpa and Eucalyptus pyriformis, this plant combines the bold, silvery foliage of Mottlecah with the distinctive bud form of Pear-fruited Mallee. In this photograph, the large, powdery bud begins to split, revealing the densely packed yellow stamens within. Native to Western Australia, this hybrid embodies the sculptural drama and evolutionary creativity of the eucalypt genus.
Eucalyptus rameliana (Ramel’s Mallee) — “A Glass of Ramel’s” This close-up reveals the elegant structure of Eucalyptus rameliana’s pale yellow stamens, rising tightly together like a sculpted vessel. Endemic to Western Australia’s arid interior, this small mallee is known for its smooth bark and large, urn-shaped buds that open to reveal vivid red or yellow blooms. The composition highlights the plant’s quiet geometry - a natural chalice formed by evolution and endurance in one of Australia’s harshest landscapes.
Eucalyptus rosacea Native to the arid inland regions of Western Australia, Eucalyptus rosacea is a graceful mallee known for its delicate, pendulous clusters of cream to pink flowers and slender, curving stems. This photograph captures the subtle elegance of its blooms just after opening - a quiet study of form, balance, and the understated beauty found within Australia’s dry landscapes.
Eucalyptus kruseana (Book-leaf Mallee) Endemic to Western Australia, Eucalyptus kruseana is easily recognised by its distinctive round, overlapping leaves that resemble the pages of a book. Its soft yellow-green flowers appear in clusters, contrasting beautifully with the silvery foliage. Compact and ornamental, the Book-leaf Mallee embodies the quiet elegance and sculptural charm characteristic of Australia’s arid flora.
Eucalyptus tetraptera (Square-fruited Mallee) One of Western Australia’s most distinctive eucalypts, Eucalyptus tetraptera is recognised for its unusual square-shaped fruits and striking red buds. This photograph captures the geometric precision of a young bud from above, revealing its vivid pink interior and perfect radial symmetry. The Square-fruited Mallee is a favourite among botanists and artists alike - a living sculpture of Australia’s coastal landscapes.
Eucalyptus pleurocarpa (Tallerack) Endemic to southwestern Western Australia, Eucalyptus pleurocarpa - commonly known as Tallerack - is admired for its smooth, silvery-blue leaves and powdery fruit capsules. This photograph highlights its sculptural seed pods, arranged in a tight cluster against soft matte foliage. The species’ cool tones and elegant forms make it a natural icon of Western Australia’s coastal and inland heathlands.