Ironbark
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Ironbark is a common name of a number of species in the genus Eucalyptus with dark deeply furrowed bark.
Instead of being shed annually as in many of the other species of Eucalyptus, the dead bark accumulates on the trees forming the fissures. It becomes rough after drying out and becomes impregnated with kino, a dark red tree sap exuded by the tree. The bark is fire and heat resistant and protects the living tissue within the trunk and branches from fire. In cases of extreme fire, where leaves and shoots are removed, the protective bark aids in protecting epicormic buds which allow the tree to reshoot.
[edit] Examples of Ironbark species
- Eucalyptus crebra F.Muell., Narrow-leaved Ironbark or Narrowleaf pinkish-blue ironbark.
- Eucalyptus fibrosa F. Muell., Red Ironbark.
- Eucalyptus melanophloia F.Muell., Silver-leafed Ironbark.
- Eucalyptus paniculata Sm., Gray ironbark.
- Eucalyptus sideroxylon A.Cunningham ex Woolls, Mugga or Red Ironbark.
