Tallowwood

By Geoff Holloway

Tallowwood (Eucalyptus microcorys). A moderate to large tree growing to 25–60m high with a stem diameter of 1–2m found in coastal wet sclerophyll forests from Newcastle, New South Wales to Maryborough and Fraser Island, Queensland.

Tallowwood has the deepest Eucalyptus lineage, goes back between 40–44 million years. They include closely related species such as yellow tingle (E. guilfoylei) from Western Australia. The fact these two trees live in isolated pockets on different sides of the country suggests there were other species across Australia back then that are now extinct.

The species form is generally good with a straight, clear bole (trunk) to two-thirds of the total height. Bark is brown, soft, flaky, fibrous and persistent (doesn’t shed) up to the small branches. Tallowwood is so named due to the greasy feel of the wood when cut. Heartwood is pale to dark yellow-brown. Density:1010kg/m³ , sapwood is usually almost white. Grain is moderately coarse, generally interlocked.

Sawn and round timber used for wharves and bridges, railway sleepers, cross arms, poles, piles, mining timbers, general house construction, fencing, landscaping, outdoor furniture, turnery and joinery. A valuable multiple use timber in the past and still is today.