Mallees are small multi-stemmed eucalypts. They are typically found in semi-arid parts of southern Australia, where a winter rainfall regime prevails. However, a handful of mallee species occur in coastal areas and in scattered parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Mallees are in demand for urban gardens, because they are small as far as eucalypts go, and hence don't take up much valuable garden space. The species from the main mallee area are unsuitable for Queensland conditions, unless you live in the southern inland part of the state Otherwise, if you would like to grow a mallee eucalypt you will need to choose from the species listed below. Note that mallees (multi-stemmed) in the bush, invariably grow in the garden as small ‘trees’ (single-stemmed), unless something happens to promote the mallee form, eg. fire, decapitation.

Eucalyptus curtisii, E. conglomerata - two rare species native to south-eastern Queensland.
E. curtisii has already become a popular garden subject, as it is hardy and grows readily on a wide range of sites. It flowers profusely in spring. It grows well at least as far north as Rockhampton. E. conglomerata (Swamp Stringybark) is an ideal small tree for swampy coastal sites perhaps as far north as Mackay. It will grow in most soil types, including heavy clay, but it is not drought tolerant.

E. viridis, E. bakeri - two mallee species from southern Queensland (away from the coast).
Both have very narrow leaves and grow on stony ridges. They are ideal for stony inland areas and drier coastal areas of the state.

E. odontocarpa, E. lucens - small mallees from the Northern Territory, with bright green eaves. Ideal for dry inland areas on sandy to loamy soils, where frosts are few.

E. pulverulenta (Powdered Mountain Gum) - a silvery mallee from the Blue Mountains. Suitable only for southern high altitude areas, eg. Warwick, Stanthorpe, Toowoomba.

E. codonocarpa (Bell-fruited Ash) - a smooth barked mallee from the border regions such as Binna Burra, Mt. Barney and Mt. Norman. Ideal for the southern high altitude areas, but should be suitable for well drained coastal sites as far north as Gympie.

E. pumila (Pokolbin Mallee) - a rare species from west of Newcastle. It is hardy in cultivation, being drought and frost tolerant. Suitable for the southern coastal areas and adjacent inland.

E. obtusiflora, E luehmannii, E. burgessiana, E. stricta - four related species from the Sydney area. All should be suitable for coastal areas of southern Queensland, if planted on well drained sites with sandy to loamy soils. E. luehmannii (Yellow-topped Mallee Ash) is an exceptionally beautiful species. E. obtusiflora (Port Jackson Mallee) is perhaps the most adaptable for Queensland conditions.

Only a few of the species listed here are available at nurseries, but seeds of most are available via the Eucalyptus Study Group.