Eucalyptus todtianaCommon name: Prickly Bark
Meaning of name: Eucalyptus is from the Greek words eu, meaning well and calyptos, meaning covered. It refers to the operculum or cap which covers the stamens in bud. Todtiana is named in honour of Emil Todt, a botanical artist.
Aboriginal name: Dwutta.
Aboriginal use: The leaves were crushed and used as an antibacterial poultice or held under the nose to relieve nasal congestion. They were also eaten to relieve dysentery. The gum was used as an ointment on sores. The leaves were also used as bedding.
Distribution: Occurs from Arrowsmith River to Perth.
Description: A tree to 16 metres tall. The white flowers are produced in February.
References: Western Australian Plant Names and their Meanings, a Glossary. FA Sharr. 1996.
Flora of the Perth Region. NG Marchant, JR Wheeler, BL Rye, EM Bennett, NS Lander, TD Macfarlane. 1987.
Noongar Bush Medicine, Medicinal Plants of the South-west of Western Australia. Vivienne Hansen & John Horsfall. 2016
A native bee, Homalictus dotatus, is foraging on the flowers.
It is likely that this caterpillar, Trichiocercus sparshalli, was feeding on the Eucalyptus todtiana on which it was photographed.
