This document is part of a series of four guidance reports that cover topics related to small-scale farm forestry, private native forestry, and Indigenous managed forest lands. Learn more about the other reports and documents via this link.
Gympie messmate (Eucalyptus cloeziana) is a productive native tree species grown successfully in plantations on fertile subtropical and tropical sites from northern New South Wales to north Queensland and elsewhere around the world. The exceptional strength and durability of the species makes it desirable for a wide range of high-end sawn timber markets.
Overview
Gympie messmate (Eucalyptus cloeziana) is a productive native tree species grown successfully in plantations on fertile subtropical and tropical sites from northern New South Wales to north Queensland and elsewhere around the world. The exceptional strength and durability of the species makes it desirable for a wide range of high-end sawn timber markets.
Species characteristics
Gympie messmate is a moderately fast growing tree, with exceptional form. Mean annual increments (MAI) for plantations vary from 7.8 to 20 m3/ha/yr depending on site quality and genetics.1 Mature tree heights generally range from 20 m to 55 m depending on site quality. Some individuals form lignotubers.2 It thrives in the warmer regions of northern New South Wales and along the coastal areas of Queensland. It demonstrates optimal growth on sites with deep, well drained and relatively fertile soils and an annual rainfall exceeding 800 mm. Heavy clay and saline soils are not suitable for its growth. During the establishment phase, the species is highly sensitive to drought but becomes more tolerant once established. It can withstand a dry season of 4-5 months duration. However, Gympie messmate has limited tolerance to frost.4
| Environmental factor | Variables |
| Mean minimum temperature | 3-20 °C |
| Mean maximum temperature | 27-36 °C |
| Mean annual temperature | 16-27 °C |
| Annual rainfall | 650-2,845 mm |
| Frost | Tolerates light frosts, -5°C |
| Maximum dry season duration | 0-5 months |
| Soil texture | Thrives in various soil types including volcanic meta-sediments or loams, sandstone and coarse textured soils derived from granite. Prefers soils of moderate to high fertility. |
| Depth | Suited to in moderately deep, well-drained soils, but grows well in shallow sandstone soils. |
| Drainage | Prefers free-draining soils |
| Soil chemistry | Has a wide pH range from moderately acidic to slightly alkaline soils |
| Salinity EC | Moderate levels of salinity. |
Table 1: Environmental requirements for Gympie messmate.2
Current estate extent and location
Gympie messmate has a widespread scattered natural distribution across Queensland, ranging from east of Tambo to Mundubbera and Gympie, and from west of Townsville to north-west of Cooktown, with occasional occurrences in
between. It is well adapted to diverse environments such as open forests, woodlands, plateaus, tablelands and slopes.
Since the mid-1990s, about 2,500 hectares of Gympie messmate plantations have been established in Queensland. Additionally, plantations of Gympie messmate have grown successfully in New South Wales and overseas locations. These plantations have demonstrated favourable growth rates and productivity when appropriately matched with suitable sites.1
Research indicates Gympie messmate is a suitable choice for timber-producing woodlots in the warmer regions of northern New South Wales and coastal areas of Queensland, where the soils tend to be relatively fertile.
Products, properties and markets
Gympie messmate is a significant tree species in Queensland’s commercial wood products industry. The yellow-brown heartwood is exceptionally strong, hard and durable. The sapwood, is lighter in colour, ranging from white to grey-white. The wood has a uniform grain with no distinct patterns, a fine to medium texture, and occasional shallow interlocking.3 The wood is known for its versatility as a timber. It can be easily machined, turned and finished, and readily accepts paint, stains and polish, allowing for various aesthetic options in its use. It is commonly used in heavy engineering construction, railway sleepers, mining timber, posts, poles and scantling. Its high resistance to decay makes it ideal for outdoor uses.
Unseasoned sawn timber is often employed for general house framing, while seasoned dressed timber is suitable for cladding, internal and external flooring, lining, joinery, fencing, landscaping and retaining walls. Gympie messmate is also known for its excellent charcoal production.
Ecosystem services and community benefits
Gympie messmate plantations offer a range of benefits. They support honey production by providing pollen and nectar. These plantations also contribute to land rehabilitation and management, helping to restore degraded areas and improve overall ecosystem health. Furthermore, they create shade and windbreak shelter, improving agricultural productivity.
The plantations foster habitat creation, promoting biodiversity and the preservation of native species. Additionally, they
aid in controlling salinity and promoting improved water quality, further enhancing their ecological significance.2
Risks and their management
Gympie messmate is generally less significantly affected by insects or pathogens than other eucalypt species. However, young trees may face attacks from longicorn beetles and leaf beetles when under stress. Regular monitoring for signs of damage, such as insect infestations or unhealthy trees, allows for early detection and prompt action. Timely silvicultural treatments and suitable site selection contribute to tree health management and mitigate risks.
The species is vulnerable to drought, especially when young, and requires protection from weed competition during the establishment phase. It cannot tolerate frosts below about -5°C, waterlogging, or moderate levels of salinity. Wind damage to shelterbelts has been reported in South Africa and Malawi, and young seedlings may require protection from vertebrate pests.
Management practices
Gympie messmate is best planted soon after the onset of summer rains. While the species is tolerant of a 4-5 month dry season, caution is advised during the initial stages, as they can be sensitive to drought. In unfavourable weather conditions, watering may be necessary.1 Containerised stock is preferred over open-rooted stock, as it generally exhib- its higher survival rates. Applying a ‘starter dose’ of nitrogen and phosphorus fertiliser soon after planting, considering site-specific factors, and avoiding excessive nitrogen application are important considerations.
Effective weed control measures are crucial for the successful establishment and growth of Gympie messmate. A combination of mechanical techniques, such as cultivation, and chemical approaches, such as herbicide application, re employed. Proper selection of herbicides and application methods is based on residual and knock-down options. It is advisable to consult reliable sources for detailed information on suitable herbicides and recommended practices.
Managing the crown structure of Gympie messmate plantations is essential for optimizing timber quality. A pruning regime is implemented to minimise the presence of knots, with recommended lifts at specific tree sizes. Pre-commercial thinning may be considered to maximise diameter growth and maintain a minimum stocking level. Commercial thinning is typically performed around 8-15 years of age to achieve optimal growth rates.
Establishment and management
| Cultivation | Soil ripping is beneficial when there is a layer of compacted soil limiting root
growth, is important for improving survival and early growth of plants. |
| Weed control | To ensure effective weed control, a combination of mechanical methods, such as cultivation, and chemical methods, like herbicide application, is commonly employed. |
| Growing stock & Planting | Plant at a spacing of 4 m x 2.5 m (1,000 stems/ha). In drier areas with increased water competition, a spacing of 4 m x 3 m may be more suitable. |
| Fertiliser | The application of a ‘starter dose’ of nitrogen and phosphorus fertiliser soon after planting is a common practice in eucalypt establishment on former forest sites. Ex-pasture sites are often high in nitrogen, so no application warranted. Avoid over-fertilisation.
The response fertiliser is site-specific and depends on various factors. |
| Post plant weed control | Employing a combination of mechanical and chemical methods to effectively manage weed competition. |
Silvicultural regimes
| Goals | 1st thinning | 2nd thinning | Sawlog harvest |
| Crown Lift | Raise crown to 3.2 m | Raise crown to 6 m | |
| DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) Threshold | Average DBH reaches 8 cm | Average DBH reaches 12 cm | – |
| Stocking | Minimum of 400 trees/ ha | Reduce to 150-200 trees/ha | – |
| Timing | About 1.4-3.5 years | About 8-15 years of age | Achieve merchantable size (+40 yrs) |
| Objective | Maximise DBH growth | Maintain good growth rates | Achieve merchantable size (+40 yrs) |
Bibliography and further reading
1 Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (2013) Gympie messmate (plantations).
2 Clarke, B., I. Mcleod & T. Vercoe (2009) Trees for farm forestry: 22 promising species. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.
3 WoodSolutions. (2023). Messmate, Gympie. https://www.woodsolutions.com.au/wood-species/hardwood/messmate-gympie.
4 Boland, D.J., M. Brooker, G.M. Chippendale & N. Hall (1994) Forest Trees of Australia. Fourth edition, CSIRO. Gilbert, B. P. (2017). Strength modelling of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). Construction and Building Materials.
