Eucalyptus oxymitra × sessilis – 25 Seeds
Eucalyptus oxymitra × sessilis is a rare and highly distinctive natural hybrid combining characteristics of two fascinating arid-zone mallee eucalypts: the Sharp-capped Mallee (Eucalyptus oxymitra) and the Finke River Mallee (Eucalyptus sessilis).
The hybrid is particularly interesting for collectors of unusual Australian native plants. Plants observed in cultivation at Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth, display a combination of the parent species’ smooth bark, rounded silvery foliage and attractive clusters of cream-coloured flowers.
Plant Information
Scientific Name: Eucalyptus oxymitra × Eucalyptus sessilis
Common Name: Oxymitra × Sessilis Hybrid
Family: Myrtaceae
Growth Habit: Small to medium-sized mallee with a spreading, multi-stemmed habit.
Parent Species
This unusual hybrid brings together two distinctive Australian mallees:
Eucalyptus oxymitra – Sharp-capped Mallee
A smooth-barked mallee generally growing approximately 2–6 metres tall, with grey-green foliage and large yellow flowers. It occurs in arid regions of South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Eucalyptus sessilis – Finke River Mallee
A small, straggly mallee associated particularly with the ranges around the Finke region and extending into parts of Western Australia. It has large leathery leaves, large reddish-brown buds and creamy-yellow flowers that produce abundant nectar.
The hybrid combines characteristics of both parents, making it an especially intriguing plant for Australian native collectors.
Features
Eucalyptus oxymitra × sessilis is admired for its unusual combination of features:
* Attractive rounded, silvery-grey foliage.
* Smooth, often pale bark.
* Clusters of creamy flowers.
* Distinctive gumnuts and seed capsules.
* Naturally interesting hybrid characteristics.
* A relatively uncommon plant, particularly desirable for collectors of unusual eucalypts.
The hybrid has been documented at Kings Park and Botanic Garden in Perth, where it has been observed displaying characteristics of both parent species.
Flowering
Produces clusters of attractive cream to pale yellow flowers.
The flowers are nectar-rich and can provide an excellent food source for native bees, honeyeaters and other nectar-feeding wildlife.
Flowering Season: Seasonal and variable, particularly influenced by rainfall and growing conditions.
The parent Eucalyptus oxymitra is recorded as flowering sporadically, probably in response to rainfall events.
Cultivation & Care
* Position: Full sun.
* Soil: Prefers very well-drained soils, particularly sandy or gravelly soils.
* Climate: Best suited to dry, arid and Mediterranean-style climates.
* Water: Water regularly while establishing, then reduce watering once well established.
* Drainage: Excellent drainage is important.
* Maintenance: Generally low maintenance once established.
* Space: Allow sufficient room for its naturally spreading mallee form.
Garden Uses
* Excellent specimen for Australian native gardens.
* Particularly appealing to collectors of unusual or rare eucalypts.
* Suitable for dry and water-wise gardens.
* Ideal for arid and Mediterranean-style landscapes.
* Attractive wildlife plant for nectar-feeding birds and insects.
* An interesting choice for botanical collections and specialist native plantings.
Growing from Seed
Eucalyptus seed is generally best sown fresh or properly stored and can germinate readily under suitable conditions. Seed information for Eucalyptus oxymitra indicates that viable seed is non-dormant and can germinate readily.
1. Sow seed on the surface of a free-draining seed-raising mix.
2. Cover very lightly with a thin layer of growing medium or vermiculite.
3. Keep the mix evenly moist but never waterlogged.
4. Place in a warm, bright position with good light.
5. Protect emerging seedlings from extreme heat, frost and drying out.
6. Once established, gradually acclimatise seedlings to full sun.
As this is a hybrid, seed-grown plants may show some variation in their characteristics, and individual seedlings may not be identical to the parent plant from which the seed was collected.
A Rare Hybrid for the Collector
Eucalyptus oxymitra × sessilis is an unusual opportunity to grow a plant representing the natural intersection of two distinctive arid Australian mallees.
Its combination of silvery foliage, smooth bark, cream flowers and distinctive seed capsules gives it considerable ornamental appeal, while its hybrid origin makes it particularly interesting for collectors and enthusiasts of Australian eucalypts.
Contents
* 25 viable, freshly collected seeds
* Free postage
We provide fresh, professionally cleaned seed to maximise germination and deliver the best possible results.