Eucalyptus subsp. radiata    

Narrow-leaved Peppermint

Look into the canopy of the woodland around the Lake and you will see the fine foliage of the Narrow-leaved Peppermint silhouetted against the broader leaves of other eucalypts which share the better-drained slopes.

Glossy-green alternate adult leaves are long, thin and narrow, only 1.5 cm wide. An intense peppermint fragrance is released from oil dots when freshly fallen leaves are crushed underfoot, adding to the enjoyment of walking by this graceful short-fibred tree.

From late spring to early summer, groups of up to 20 radiating white flowers cluster towards the ends of the pendulous branches. The globular to pear-shaped, stalked woody fruit are 4-6mm wide and long. Each has a thick rim and 3 or 4 enclosed valves which open to release fine reddish-brown seed.

Family: Myrtaceae
 

Kids Activity Trail

  • Have you smelt the leaf of a peppermint tree? What does it smell like? 
  • How big are the seed pods of this tree? What shape are they?
  • Did you know eucalypts often produce an abundance of flowers that provide nectar for mammals, birds and insects? Gum nuts are crunched by seed eaters including parrots and cockatoos. Leaves are chewed by a multitude of insects, and some by koalas. Tree hollows provide habitat for birds, possums, gliders and koalas, and the bark shelters insects and their larvae

Image Credit: Ellan Eucalyptus radiata (Narrow-Leaved Peppermint) 2000, carved sandstone, 76 x 153 x 110 cm, Wentworth Falls Lake Sculpture Project, Blue Mountains City Art Collection