Tuart usually occurs within 10 km of the coastline and is the largest tree on the coastal plain both in height (over 40 m) and girth. Sometimes, however, salt-laden winds and shallow soil over limestone can restrict growth. Tuart tends to fork from low down and spread outwards. The bark is rough, grey and pale and tuart was once commonly known as “white gum”. The buds look like ice cream cones or clubs. The species name refers to the buds – in Greek gomphos “club” and cephale “head”.
Ref:
“Leaf and branch: trees and tall shrubs of Perth” by Robert Powell. Published by the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation, 2009.
“Common trees of the south-west forests” by Judy Wheeler. Published by the Western Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management.