Square-fruited Ironbark - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Eucalyptus tetrapleura

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 04 Apr 2023

Description

This tree may grow to over 30 m tall but is usually smaller than other ironbarks. The deeply furrowed bark is dark brown or black and extends to the small branches. It is more flaky than the typically hard bark of other ironbarks. Adult leaves are up to 20 cm long, curved and dull green on both sides. The four-angled buds have distinctively small caps that protrude at the end. The 1 cm long, conical or pear-shaped fruits also have four angles.

Distribution

Endemic to an area of the north coast between Halfway Creek and Gibberagee State Forest.

Habitat and ecology

Dry or moist eucalypt forest and woodlands on sandstone to clay soils..

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Loss of habitat through clearing for agriculture.
Timber harvesting activities.
Road construction and maintenance.
Too-frequent fires, which inhibit regeneration.
Trampling and grazing of juvenile plants by feral pigs and domestic livestock (e.g. cattle).
Potential threat of Myrtle rust on the species which, if present, may result in decline of health and/or loss of mature plants or inhibit seed-based recruitment due to infection. Species may be at particular risk post-fire.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Avoid frequent fire in areas of known habitat.
Identify and protect populations in timber harvesting areas and along roadsides.
Exclude stock by fencing habitat.
Protect habitat from further clearing.
Assist regeneration of habitat around isolated trees.
Protect individuals from road maintenance activities.
Liaise with landholders over the protection and management of populations on private property.

Information sources

Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, Sydney.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW North Coast	Yuraygir	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Sandstones	Known	None

Images

Flowers and buds, Square-fruited Ironbark Image 1 of 3.
View slideshow.

Related information

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Nature conservation

Threatened species