EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Eucalypt With the Stringiest Bark

Stringybark (Eucalyptus obliqua), Family Myrtaceae
Victoria, Australia

Explanation:  How well-named is this important tree of Australia?  This is stringybark, also known by its multiple common names of brown-top stringybark, messmate, and more, with the bark forming fibrous bands around the trunk.  It is widespread and commonly found in southeast Asia and Australia including Tasmania, but essentially is indigenous to southeast Australia.  

In Australia, it is a very important timber tree, but, as may be anticipated, its wood splits easily so is used largely for pulp production and various housing applications.  Some sources note that it is planted for hardwood in central and southern Africa and Madagascar.  

It is also used for windbreaks and as a shade tree.  And, as a "gum" tree, its gum contains tannins; and the leaves produce an essential oil. 

One specimen I found on the Otway Coast along the Wye River in Victoria, southeast Australia, was covered in spider webs ... 

... and upon close inspection I discovered the used (exuviated) exoskeleton of a locust:

... and then the dead remains of what seems to be a huntsman spider, a classic, large arachnid of the country:

So, stringybarks are quite remarkable environments for many other life- (dead-?) forms!