Short note : A rare dwarf mutant of Eucalyptus gunnii

Abstract

This mutant, which has only been discovered in a single open-pollinated family from Pensford, Tasmania, occurs at a frequency of only 8 per cent , probably arising from a single recessive mutation. It is characterized by extremely slow growth (1.4 m height after 11 years) and much shortened internodes (7 mm), and has small coriaceous leaves which are V-shaped in transverse section, and a distinctive divaricating branching pattern. Neither grafting onto wild-type rootstocks nor the application of gibberellic acid (GA3) altered the phenotype.