Eucalyptus torquata is a medium size tree which may reach height of 11 m. It has rough dark gray bark on older growth and smooth paler bark on its upper branches.
It is an evergreen tree with alternate gray– green leaves. The juvenile leaves are elliptical and the mature leaves are lanceolate. The canopy is broad and casts pleasant shadows.
The flower buds are arranged in small drooping umbels of up to 7 flowers. The basis of the flower bud is cylindrical and the operculum, which is composed of the fused sepals or petals or both, has a collar like angular basis and a long and curved tip. When the opercula drop off the showy stamens of red color are exposed. They give this species its common name; Coral gum. In Israel the trees of this species bloom in the winter and spring. Blooming starts sometimes in late autumn. The flowers produce large amounts of pollen and nectar and serve as a good honey trees. They are grown for that purpose and as an ornamental tree in arid parts of Australia, in California, Arizona and in Israel.
The fruits a large capsules, about 1 cm. Their basis is angular and they too are drooping.
This species originates in arrid parts of Western Australia in Coolgardie district. It is therefore well adapted to drought and extreme temperatures.
Written by Amram Eshel