Cleland's Blackbutt

Cleland's Blackbutt, Eucalyptus caleyi, is a medium to tall eucalyptus tree in the family Myrtaceae native to a restricted area of the New England Tablelands and adjacent escarpments of northern New South Wales, Australia. Like other blackbutt eucalyptus species, it is characterized by a persistent, dark-gray to black fibrous bark on the lower trunk, with smooth, white to gray bark on the upper trunk and branches that is shed annually. The species grows in open sclerophyll forest and woodland communities on nutrient-poor soils at moderate elevations, often in association with other eucalyptus species and a diverse shrub and herb understory. Cleland's Blackbutt provides critical habitat value, with hollows in mature trees used by a variety of native animals including gliders, possums, owls, and parrots. The creamy-white flowers are an important nectar source for honeyeaters and other nectarivorous birds. The species is named in honor of John Burton Cleland, a prominent Australian naturalist and mycologist. Eucalyptus caleyi has a limited natural range and faces threats from land clearing, inappropriate fire regimes, and climate change. It is currently assessed as a species of conservation concern in New South Wales.