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Common name

Scientific name

Karri

Eucalyptus diversicolor

Karri: Eucalyptus diversicolor

Common name:

Karri

Scientific name:

Eucalyptus diversicolor (Myrtaceae)

Alternative common names:

Karie (Afrikaans)

A tall, dense, massively branched, evergreen tree 25-58m high with smooth bark that is grey-blue in colour with orange-yellow blotches. Dark green leaves which are glossy above and distinctly paler beneath. Cream flowers appear from May to December. The fruit capsules are globular and brown. This tree invades forest clearings, fynbos, roadsides and water courses.

Additional Info

Where does this species come from?

South-western Australia.

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

CARA 2002 – Category 2
NEMBA - a. Category 1b within-
(i) riparian areas;
(ii) a Protected Area declared in terms of the Protected Areas act; or,
(iii) within a Listed Ecosystem or an ecosystem identified for conservation in terms of a Bioregional Plan or Biodiversity Management Plans published under the Act.
b. Not listed within Nama-Karoo, Succulent Karoo and Desert biomes, excluding within any area mentioned in (a) above.
c. Category 1b in Fynbos, Grassland, Savanna, Albany Thicket, Forest and Indian Ocean Coastal Belt biomes, but-
(i) Category 2 for plantations, woodlots, bee-forage areas, wind-rows and the lining of avenues.
(ii) Not listed within cultivated land that is at least 50 metres away from untransformed land, but excluding within in any area in (a) above.
(iii) Not listed within 50 metres of the main house on a farm, but excluding in (a) above.
(iv) Not listed in urban areas for trees within a diameter of more than 400 mm at 1000 mm height at the time of publishing of this Notice, but excluding in (a) above.

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Western Cape.

How does it spread?

Spreads by seed dispersal.

Why is it a problem?

It competes with and has the potential to replace indigenous species. Trees along watercourses are likely to reduce stream flow.