Tuart
Eucalyptus gomphocephala
A large hardwood growing 25-40m tall, the Tuart can only be found on the strip of land between the western coast and the Darling ranges in the state's south west. The heartwood is a pale yellow-brown. The grain is interlocked and the timber is fine textured and even, and is rich in tannins. In the past, Tuart timber was recognised for its great strength, solidity and durability and was used to craft whim and wagon wheels, journals for propeller shafts, keels, decking for wagons, telegraph pegs, bridge supports, as well as general building purposes and flooring, even for tool handles. Another feature was that the timber did not corrode bolts and other metal objects. After World War II, a tuart mill was built at Ludlow especially for railway carriage construction. Tuart is now not commercially available, although occasional logs may be supplied from private property.
In the last few years, the Tuart woodlands south of Mandurah have suffered a steady decline. This is linked to an increase in wood boring insects, the reasons for this are unclear, but under investigation. See CALM's web page on this issue. This tree is also grown extensively in Israel and the Mediterranean region. |
