Eucalyptus caesia gungurru

This attractive ornamental grows to 10 feet, or perhaps more, and is clothed with blue-green foliage. The flower buds in threes have a bluish bloom and open to reveal spreading skirts of pink stamens tipped in abundant yellow anthers, the whole rather resembling a Degas painting of a ballet dancer. Since the buds, flowers, and fruits are often all present at the same time, and the whole show occurs at eye level, this small tree attracts attention in a small garden. It is available in the Bay Area, has been showcased by the University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum, and can easily be grown from seed.

In its native habitat it grows in clefts in granite plateaux. Strangely, the roots can be ground into edible flour.

There is a mature specimen at 3185 Alpine Road, opposite Ladera.

Related material: Eucalyptus checklist | Eucalypt gallery.