Family: Myrtaceae
Author: Hook.f.
Bibliography: London J. Bot. 3: 499 (1844)
Year: 1844
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Eucalyptus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Tasmania
Description
Cider gum, scientifically known as Eucalyptus gunnii, is a species that offers both aesthetic appeal and practical uses. This noteworthy plant was first documented in 1844 by the botanist Hook.f., who observed it in its natural habitat in Tasmania.
Belonging to the family Myrtaceae, the cider gum is characterized by its resilient nature and distinctive features. As with many Eucalyptus species, it demonstrates a remarkable adaptability to its environment, flourishing in a variety of conditions. Its leaves are particularly notable; young leaves display a glaucous, bluish-grey hue that turns to a more subdued green as the plant matures. This transition in color not only adds to its visual interest but also marks different stages in its growth.
Cider gum earns its common name from the slightly sweet, aromatic sap it produces, which has historically been fermented into an alcoholic beverage by early settlers and indigenous people. This practical use of the plant underlines its significance beyond just ornamental value.
In its native Tasmania, Eucalyptus gunnii stands as an important part of the local ecosystem. It provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, contributing to the biodiversity of the region. Furthermore, it is a vital source of nectar for pollinators, which in turn supports the overall health of the environment.
In the garden or landscape setting, cider gum is cherished for its fast growth and hardiness. It is often planted for screening or as a specimen tree due to its striking appearance and the pleasant fragrance of its leaves. Moreover, due to its adaptability, it can thrive even in non-native settings, provided that conditions are favorable.
In conclusion, Eucalyptus gunnii, with its blend of utilitarian and aesthetic qualities, stands out as a remarkable species within the Myrtaceae family. Its rich history, ecological importance, and the unique beauty makes it a plant of considerable interest and value. Whether in its native ranges of Tasmania or in cultivation around the world, the cider gum continues to be a source of wonder and utility.
Common Names
Eng: cider gum, cider-eucalypt-tree, cider-gum, cider-gum-tree, white-swamp-gum
Por: eucalipto, eucalipto-de-gunn
Swe: silvereukalyptus
Nob: gunnieukalyptus
Nno: gunnieukalyptus
Cym: ewcalyptws gunn
En: Cider Gum, Cider-eucalypt-tree, Cider-gum, Cider-gum-tree, White-swamp-gum, Apple Eucalyptus, Cider Tree, Swamp Gum-tree
Fr: Eucalyptus de Gunn, Gommier à cidre, Gommier-cidre
De: Gunns Eukalyptus
It: Eucalipto del sidro
Nb: Gunnieukalyptus
Nn: Gunnieukalyptus
Pt: Eucalipto, Eucalipto-de-gunn
Sv: Silvereukalyptus
Cy: Ewcalyptws Gunn
Synonyms
Distribution
- Tasmania (native)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- New Zealand South (introduced)
- Transcaucasus (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jan 11, 2020 by Bri🌼 dBd🌺 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2019 by ranaud soter (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2019 by Caroline Loison (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 13, 2022 by de smedt jana (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 6, 2021 by valentina (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 16, 2021 by Conrado Fresno (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 2022 by exulans (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2019 by Richard (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 26, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 29, 2020 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 9, 2020 by laura brody (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2021 by Béatrice Parent (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 30, 2022 by Santinimbus (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 19, 2020 by Ghislaine sauvet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2021 by Béatrice Parent (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 24, 2021 by Michael Beales (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 30, 2021 by Roxane (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2022 by Bernard Roch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 9, 2022 by Mireille Marlier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2021 by Béatrice Parent (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 15, 2021 by Lucie Beau (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2019 by sitrul (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 7, 2020 by Geilo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 17, 2021 by philoup (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2019 by Reynold Chollet (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Dec 16, 2020 by Daniel PIACERE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2019 by Jan Clausen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Yann QUELEN (©)
Taken Aug 3, 2019 by Eduardo González Hernández (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 20, 2020 by Roger Biggins (cc-by-sa)
© 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/3176283)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:592987-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eucalyptus gunnii Hook.f.)
