coastal blackbutt

Eucalyptus todtiana, the coastal blackbutt or pricklybark, is a medium-sized eucalyptus tree in the family Myrtaceae endemic to the Swan Coastal Plain of southwestern Western Australia, occurring primarily in Banksia woodland and jarrah-marri forest on deep, well-drained sandy soils near the coast north of Perth. The species reaches 10–20 meters in height and is recognized by its thick, dark, fibrous and deeply furrowed bark on the lower trunk transitioning to smoother, whitish bark above, along with rough prickly juvenile leaves. White flowers attract honeyeaters and other nectarivores. Eucalyptus todtiana is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, reflecting its restricted distribution on the northern Swan Coastal Plain where rapid urban expansion and agricultural conversion north of Perth have significantly reduced and fragmented remaining native Banksia woodland and eucalyptus forest habitats. The species persists in state forest reserves, national parks, and remnant bushland patches, but ongoing urban growth continues to pressure remaining populations. Coastal blackbutt plays an important ecological role as a food source for black cockatoos, particularly Carnaby's cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris), which depends on woody fruits of proteaceous and eucalyptus trees for foraging.