| Botanic name | Eucalyptus platypus |
| Other names | Platypus Gum, Round-leaved Moort, Moort, Maalok |
| Main Origin | Southwestern coast and subcoast of Western Australia |
| Mature size | 5 – 8 m x 5 – 8 m (w x h) |
| Mature form | Spreading shrub or canopy tree |
| Foliage | Olive or dark green or bluish, glossy, oval or elliptical |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Position | Full sun |
| Soil | Thrives on most soils, including heavy soils |
| Water | Deep watering during extended dry spells |
| Climate | Semi-arid, Mediterranean, temperate |
| Flower | Pale greenish-yellow during spring & summer |
| Use | Shade tree, feature tree, privacy screening, windbreaks |
| Notes | Suitable for coastal regions |
IN THIS ARTICLE
Origin and Distribution
Eucalyptus platypus, commonly known as Platypus Gum, is a unique, feature-rich mallet species widely used in landscaping projects.
Its compact form, striking foliage, and natural resilience make it a perfect choice for gardeners and landscapers. Never go past this native if you desire a versatile tree with an aesthetic and functional appeal.
Native to southern Western Australia, this hardy eucalypt thrives in a typical Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild wet winters. It also grows in drier semi-arid regions that receive lower rainfall.
The adaptability of Platypus Gum has led to its naturalisation in other parts of Australia. Its low-growing, bushy and spreading nature can potentially suppress the development of native flora. This, in particular, has caused local concerns in the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia.
Features
If you ever wonder how this species is botanically named, look at its intriguing flower buds. They are very similar to the platypus foot. The structure that supports the flower base and the nail-like flower caps resembles platypus claws.
Its flowers are often creamy-yellow or pale yellow-green and emerge in spring and summer. They are magnets to birds and other pollinators.
One of the defining features of the Platypus Gum is its attractive, delightful foliage, which sets it apart from other eucalyptus species.
The rounded juvenile leaves, waxy in texture and bluish or olive green in hue, give the tree a lush, ornamental appeal. As the tree matures, it retains the rounded, eye-catching elliptical leaves, unlike most eucalypts with lance- or spear-shaped leaves.
Akin to its cousin Eucalyptus utilis (Coastal Moort), Platypus Gum forms extensive branches with dense foliage. It is highly prized for a modest height and rounded, bushy habit.
When grown as a multi-stemmed shrub, it forms an extensive, spreading bush with lower branches touching the ground, which is ideal for privacy screening.
As a tree, it typically grows to 8 meters, with a large, dense canopy, presented in a beautiful, rounded silhouette, offering deep, generous shade.
This plant works beautifully as a standalone feature or as part of a planting scheme. It is ideal for smaller gardens and urban courtyards where taller eucalyptus trees may be unsuitable.
The smooth, peeling bark of the Platypus Gum adds layers of visual interest throughout the year. Like Coastal Moort, its bark appears grey or grey-green with coppery brown underneath.
Growth and care
Like Coastal Moort, Platypus Gum is fast growing and thrives on various soil types including sand, clay, gravel, rock, and loam.
In its natural habitat, however, Platypus Gum is mostly found on heavy clay soils. This partiality allows it to thrive in soils with poor aeration and drainage. It can even tolerate short periods of water logging, an attribute highly desirable for areas with periodic soggy soils.
Platypus Gum also adapts to alkaline soils, besides acidic and neutral soils. It flourishes in exposed coastal environments where salty air, high wind, and soil salinity impede other plants. This makes it highly suitable for seaside gardens.
Eucalyptus platypus originates from the Mediterranean climate zone. It naturally thrives in warm, dry conditions, it can tolerate even hotter and drier conditions in semi-arid zones.
Conversely, it adapts to mild, moist conditions in temperate, higher rainfall regions. It can tolerate moderate frosts, but dislikes prolonged cold periods.
In short, Platypus Gum is built to endure tough warm growing conditions. It can grow in nutrient-poor, light or heavy, dry or moist soils. With exceptional adaptability and hardiness, it is a reliable eucalypt for various landscapes and gardens.
Platypus Gum responds well to pruning. While it often requires minimal pruning with a natural desirable shape, occasional upkeep can be helpful. To maintain a neat, open shape, remove dead or crossing branches. This also ensures good airflow and preserves the tree’s ornamental appeal.
Keeping lower branches while the trees are young maintains a spreading habit and a shrubby appearance. Conversely, removing lower branches encourages its development into a canopy tree. Like Coastal Moort, Platypus Gum can also rejuvenate through coppicing.
Landscape uses
Screening and windbreaks
When grown as a shrub, Eucalyptus platypus can form a beautiful informal screen that adds privacy to your garden.
Due to its dense growth habit, platypus gum is a perfect candidate for creating shelterbelts or windbreaks. It shields sensitive plants and structures from harsh winds without overwhelming the landscape.
Specimen tree or bush
Its modest height and dense, rounded canopy make Eucalyptus platypus an excellent choice for smaller inland or seaside gardens. It can be planted as a centerpiece or focal point, adding a design element for visual interest.
Urban greening
Platypus Gum’s compact size and ability to tolerate various conditions make it suitable for urban streetscape and parklands. Its non-invasive roots ensure it doesn’t interfere with infrastructure, and its ornamental features enhance the city environment.
Pollinator haven
The abundant nectar-rich flowers attract birds, bees and pollinators, supporting local biodiversity. Grow Platypus Gum as part of a pollinator-friendly garden that encourages ecological balance in your local area.
Final thoughts
The Platypus Gum’s versatility and resilience make it a favourite for gardeners and landscapers, particularly in drier regions. Its range of applications ensures it fits beautifully into various garden styles, from native habitats to modern urban landscapes.
This species is tailored to thrive in challenging conditions while delivering unmatched ornamental value. Whether used as a feature plant, windbreak, privacy screen, or wildlife haven, Platypus Gum never fails to impress.
FAQs
What is the common name for Eucalyptus platypus?
Eucalyptus platypus is most commonly known as Platypus Gum. It is less known as round-leaved moort, moort, or maalok.
What are Platypus Gum uses?
Platypus Gums have many uses in gardening and landscaping projects. They can be used as:
- Feature trees in small or medium-sized gardens
- Urban greening trees for city landscapes
- Pollinator habitats that add biodiversity to gardens
- Attractive privacy screens and windbreaks
- Drought-tolerant shrubs in native gardens
What is the Eucalyptus platypus growth rate?
The growth rate of Platypus Gum depends on its growing environment. In optimal conditions, Eucalyptus platypus can grow relatively fast. On average, its growth rate is considered moderately fast.
