Family: Myrtaceae
Author: W.Hill ex Maiden
Bibliography: J. Proc. Roy. Soc. New S. Wales 52(17): 501 (1919)
Year: 1919
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Eucalyptus
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Australia
Description
Flooded-gum, scientifically known as Eucalyptus grandis, is a significant species of the Myrtaceae family recognized for its environmental and economic importance. This towering giant of the Eucalyptus genus was initially documented by W. Hill and later described in detail by J.H. Maiden in 1919, as noted in the Journal of the Royal Society of New South Wales (Vol. 52, No. 17, p. 501).
Native to Eastern Australia, Eucalyptus grandis thrives in subtropical and temperate regions, predominantly flourishing in areas with high rainfall and fertile soils. Its common name, Flooded-gum, is derived from its natural habitat in flood plains where it often forms dense forests. This species is adaptable to a range of conditions but is particularly associated with riverine environments and wet sclerophyll forests.
The Flooded-gum is distinguished by its impressive height, often growing up to 50 meters, and in some cases, reaching up to 75 meters. It exhibits a straight, cylindrical trunk covered with smooth, pale bark that sheds in long ribbons, revealing a fresh, white to blue-grey surface beneath. The juvenile leaves are ovate and glossy, while the mature leaves transform into a more lanceolate shape, showcasing a deep green coloration and a glossy finish. This evergreen tree is also characterized by its white flowers, which bloom in clusters, attracting numerous pollinators.
Ecologically, Eucalyptus grandis plays a pivotal role in its native habitats. It provides critical shelter and food resources for a variety of wildlife. The tree’s large canopy offers nesting sites for birds, while its flowers provide nectar for insects and birds alike. Additionally, its leaves are a food source for several marsupial species, including koalas.
Economically, Flooded-gum is highly valued for its timber, which is utilized extensively in the construction and paper industries due to its workability and the high quality of its wood. The timber is known for its strength, durability, and attractive appearance, making it a popular choice for furniture, flooring, and veneers.
Despite its many uses, the propagation and management of Eucalyptus grandis must be carefully managed to prevent issues such as waterlogging and susceptibility to certain pests and diseases. Proper forest management practices ensure that this remarkable species continues to thrive and provide benefits for ecosystems and industries alike.
Flooded-gum remains a subject of ongoing botanical interest and forestry research, with its role in environmental sustainability and conservation continually explored to balance its economic value with ecological preservation.
Common Names
Eng: grand eucalyptus, flooded gum, rose gum, saligna gum, scrub gum
Afr: salignabloekom
En: Flooded-gum, Rose-gum, Flooded Gum, Rose Gum
Pt: Eucalipto, Eucalipto-branco, Eucalipto-rosa
: Grand eucalyptus
Synonyms
- Eucalyptus saligna var. pallidivalvis (R.T.Baker & H.G.Sm.)
Distribution
- New South Wales (native)
- Queensland (native)
- Bangladesh (introduced)
- California (introduced)
- Cape Provinces (introduced)
- China Southeast (introduced)
- Colombia (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- Ecuador (introduced)
- Ethiopia (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Kenya (introduced)
- Malawi (introduced)
- Morocco (introduced)
- Peru (introduced)
- St.Helena (introduced)
- Taiwan (introduced)
- Tanzania (introduced)
- Uganda (introduced)
- Zambia (introduced)
- Zimbabwe (introduced)
Additional Images
Bark
Taken Oct 5, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Andrei de Oliveira Junior (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Felipe Rabello Augustinho (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 6, 2020 by JP Corrêa Carvalho (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 6, 2020 by JP Corrêa Carvalho (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 22, 2022 by JP Corrêa Carvalho (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2020 by JP Corrêa Carvalho (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 17, 2022 by Josefa Da Silva Oliveira (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Andrei de Oliveira Junior (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Andrei de Oliveira Junior (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Andrei de Oliveira Junior (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3177028)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:592976-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eucalyptus grandis W.Hill)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8145890)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Stem
Growth habit>: Tree
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 6.0
Ph minimum: 4.0