Manna gum (Eucalyptus viminalis, Nov. Holl. Pl. 2: 12 (1806))

Family: Myrtaceae

Author: Labill.

Bibliography: Nov. Holl. Pl. 2: 12 (1806)

Year: 1806

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Eucalyptus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: E. & SE. Australia

Description

The Manna gum, scientifically known as Eucalyptus viminalis, is a notable member of the Myrtaceae family. First described in 1806 in the second volume of “Novae Hollandiae Plantarum,” this plant was classified by the distinguished botanist Labill.

Eucalyptus viminalis is predominantly found in eastern and southeastern regions of Australia. These areas provide the ideal conditions for the Manna gum to thrive, characterized by its adaptability to various soil types and climates within these regions.

The Manna gum is renowned for its impressive stature, often growing to considerable heights and forming a significant part of the Australian landscape. Its bark is notably smooth, shedding in long ribbons that reveal a striking white surface beneath. This distinctive feature contributes to its recognizability and beauty in the wild.

Moreover, the leaves of the Manna gum are lance-shaped and hang gracefully from the branches, a typical characteristic of many Eucalyptus species. The leaves are not only visually appealing but also possess the aromatic qualities commonly associated with eucalyptus plants. These properties make the Manna gum a subject of interest not only for its ecological contributions but also for its potential uses in aromatic and medicinal applications.

Ecologically, the Manna gum plays a vital role in its native habitat. It provides essential resources for various wildlife species, including koalas, which rely heavily on its leaves as a primary food source. Its flowers are also a crucial nectar source for bees and other insects, facilitating pollination and supporting local biodiversity.

In addition to its environmental significance, the Manna gum has been utilized by indigenous communities for various purposes. The tree’s bark and wood have been employed in traditional practices and its leaves in medicinal remedies, illustrating the profound connection between the plant and the cultural heritage of the region.

Overall, Eucalyptus viminalis, or the Manna gum, stands as a remarkable example of Australia’s diverse flora. Its towering presence, ecological importance, and cultural relevance underscore the need to preserve and understand this unique species.

Common Names

Eng: manna gum, dropping-gum, manna-gum, manna-gum-tree, ribbon gum, ribbon-gum, ribbony-gum, rough-bark manna gum, swamp-gum, white gum, white-gum, white-gum-tree, white-ribbon-gum
Por: eucalipto, eucalipto-de-fita
Cym: ewcalyptws gwialennog
En: Manna gum, Ribbon gum, Rough-bark manna gum, White gum, Dropping-gum, Manna-gum, Manna-gum-tree, Ribbon-gum, Ribbony-gum, Swamp-gum, White-gum, White-gum-tree, White-ribbon-gum, Manna Eucalyptus
Af: Manna bloekom
Az: Çubuqvari evkalipt
Zh: 多枝桉樹
Da: Båndeukalyptus
Fi: Mannaeukalyptus
Fr: Gommier à feuilles d’osier, Eucalyptus
Gl: Eucalipto do maná
De: Rutenförmiger Eukalyptus
He: אקליפטוס המוט
Lt: Vytelinis eukaliptas
Pt: Eucalipto, Eucalipto-de-fita
Ru: Эвкалипт прутовидный
Es: Eucalipto
Uk: Евкаліпт прутовидний
Cy: Ewcalyptws gwialennog

Synonyms

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• Queensland (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Tasmania (native)
• Victoria (native)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Sicilia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Transcaucasus (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Valeria Ivanova (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2020 by phatphloem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2019 by julien gullaud (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by mario peters (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2020 by phatphloem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2014 by EOL − giant_squid (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 14, 2014 by EOL − giant_squid (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 14, 2014 by EOL − giant_squid (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Oct 20, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2022 by Кирилл Гаджиев (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2020 by morgan royet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by adeline j (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 28, 2020 by phatphloem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2022 by Eleanor Kilmartin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2022 by Nick Dal Molin (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 14, 2014 by EOL − giant_squid (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 14, 2014 by EOL − giant_squid (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:593454-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3177112)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eucalyptus viminalis Labill.)

Specifications

Growth