Northern Grey Ironbark

Eucalyptus siderophloia, the Northern Grey Ironbark, is a eucalyptus of south-eastern Australia. It's a member of the Myrtaceae family. Instead of being shed annually as in many of the other species of Eucalyptus, the dead bark of the Ironbark accumulates on the trees, forming fissures. It becomes rough after drying out and becomes impregnated with 'kino', a dark red tree sap exuded by the tree. The bark is resistant to fire and heat and protects the living tissue within the trunk and branches from fire. In cases of extreme fire, where leaves and shoots are removed, the protective bark aids in protecting epicormic buds which allows the tree to reshoot. The tree can grow to a height of 45 mtrs, is a slow-growing species and long-living.