Stringybark facts for kids

Stringybark of Eucalyptus oblonga

A stringybark is a type of eucalyptus tree that has thick, stringy bark. These trees are part of the Myrtaceae plant family, just like all other eucalyptus trees. Some stringybark trees, especially the messmate stringybark (Eucalyptus obliqua), can grow very tall, sometimes over 80 meters (about 260 feet) high! However, most stringybarks are medium-sized trees, usually between 10 to 40 meters (33 to 130 feet) tall.

Long ago, early European settlers in Australia used the strong bark from these trees to build roofs and walls for their huts.

What Makes a Stringybark Tree Special?

The name "stringybark" describes how the bark looks and feels. It's not a scientific name that shows how closely different stringybark trees are related. For example, scientists don't think Eucalyptus obliqua is closely related to other stringybarks because of the shape of its gumnuts (the tree's seed pods). Also, Eucalyptus acmenoides is actually part of the "mahogany" group of eucalyptus trees, even though its bark looks a bit stringy. This is also because its gumnuts have a different shape.

Different Kinds of Stringybark Trees

There are many different types of stringybark trees found across Australia. Each kind has its own unique features, but they all share that special stringy bark.

Here are some of the different stringybark species:

• Blue-leaved stringybark (Eucalyptus agglomerata)
• Brown stringybark (Eucalyptus baxteri, Eucalyptus laevopinea)
• Mealy stringybark or silver stringybark (Eucalyptus cephalocarpa)
• Messmate stringybark (Eucalyptus obliqua)
• Privet-leaved stringybark (Eucalyptus ligustrina)
• Red stringybark (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha)
• Tindale's stringybark (Eucalyptus tindaliae)
• Yellow stringybark (Eucalyptus acmenoides, Eucalyptus muelleriana, Eucalyptus umbra)
• Thin-leaved stringybark (Eucalyptus eugenioides)
• White stringybark (Eucalyptus globoidea)
• Wollemi stringybark (Eucalyptus expressa)
• Stringybark or narrow-leaved stringybark (Eucalyptus oblonga)
• Stringybark (Eucalyptus tenella)

Stringybarks and Koalas

Typical crowded, stalkless gumnuts of the true stringybarks, Eucalyptus agglomerata

Did you know that some stringybark trees are a favorite food for koalas? Studies have shown that the blue-leaved stringybark is one of the top 20 eucalyptus trees that koalas love to eat. Koalas are very picky eaters, so this shows how important these trees are to their diet!

See also

In Spanish: Corteza fibrosa para niños