Posted by Gus on 3/4/2009, 2:23 pm, in reply to "Unusual 'tri-folia' formation in dalrympleana" Link: Eucalyptologics: Info resources on eucalypt cultivation worldwide
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Excellent!
I've seen it too, but not yet for E. dalrympleana. It is not a "never seen before" happening, but yes unusual. Frequency is variable depending on seed lots and their ancestry, but it is usually low, so you "got lucky" in just 20 plants. Low vigour and "oddity in looks" is already a hint of it maybe being a "by-product" of gene recombination. A runt that might not survive in fierce competition in the wild, but one that could be interesting for observant horticulturalists 
Benoit says well, further observation is needed, to see if it keeps behaving trifoliate for lateral branches. And, in due course, to see what happens with leaf change to intermediate and adult forms. It could be a special plant, but it is soon to know.
I'd keep a good eye on it and take pics regularly during this growth season and the next, keeping notes on its age (in weeks?) each time. Close-ups of the 3 lateral branch buds in development "at once" can be a good thing as they unfold.
Couple liquid feed doses once frost risk is over would not harm to help it establish. And keeping the grass under control near it is not a bad idea either, if needed (it takes water and nutrients away from the seedling while its root system is still small enough as to explore better!).
More oddities, as "double flowering Eucalyptus", also happen Permission to use those pics Mark? If you take more, just send them (or report the links) and I shall assemble a commented plate just for your plant. Knowing it happens is something, seeing it happening is something better. It could help others in future
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