Family: Myrtaceae
Author: (Hook.) K.D.Hill & L.A.S.Johnson
Bibliography: Telopea 6: 393 (1995)
Year: 1995
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Corymbia
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Australia
Description
The Spotted Gum, scientifically known as Corymbia maculata, is an iconic tree species found predominantly in the southeastern regions of Australia. It belongs to the Myrtaceae family, a diverse group of flowering plants noted for their aromatic leaves and essential oils.
This magnificent tree is named for its distinctively mottled bark, which creates a ‘spotted’ appearance. The bark typically sheds in patches, revealing a smooth, pale new layer underneath, which can range in color from soft white and light pink to ochre. This characteristic not only provides aesthetic appeal but also aids in the identification of the species in its natural habitat.
Growing to impressive heights, the Spotted Gum can achieve an average height of 20-30 meters, with some specimens reaching up to 50 meters under optimal conditions. The tree has a straight trunk with fine textured timber, prized for its hardness and durability, making it a popular choice in construction, flooring, and furniture making. Its wood, bearing the same distinctive pattern as its bark, is highly sought after for its aesthetic and functional properties.
The foliage of Corymbia maculata comprises dark green, lanceolate leaves that are arranged alternately along the branches. These leaves are not only crucial for photosynthesis but also contribute to the tree’s overall beauty. During the blooming season, the Spotted Gum produces clusters of creamy white flowers, which are followed by woody fruit capsules. These fruits house numerous small seeds, essential for the propagation of the species.
Ecologically, the Spotted Gum plays a significant role in its environment. It provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds and insects. The tree’s flowers are a nectar source for bees, which in turn support local honey production.
Corymbia maculata was described in detail in 1995 in the journal Telopea, volume 6, page 393, by botanists K.D. Hill and L.A.S. Johnson. Their work contributed substantially to the understanding and classification of this species within the Myrtaceae family.
This tree holds not only ecological and economic importance but also cultural significance, as it has been utilized by Indigenous Australians for various purposes over centuries. Today, the Spotted Gum continues to be admired for its resilience, beauty, and utility, making it a valuable asset to both natural landscapes and human industry.
Common Names
Por: eucalipto-manchado
Eng: spotted gum, spotted-gum, spotted-gum-tree
En: Spotted gum, Spotted-gum, Spotted-gum-tree
Pt: Eucalipto-manchado
Synonyms
- Eucalyptus maculata (Hook.)
Distribution
- New South Wales (native)
- Victoria (native)
- Bangladesh (introduced)
- Cape Provinces (introduced)
- China South-Central (introduced)
- China Southeast (introduced)
- East Himalaya (introduced)
- Kenya (introduced)
- Rwanda (introduced)
- Taiwan (introduced)
- Tanzania (introduced)
- Uganda (introduced)
- Zambia (introduced)
Additional Images
Bark
Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Baobab Obesum (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Baobab Obesum (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Mar 8, 2022 by Gonçalves Teresa (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5418386)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:986338-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Corymbia maculata (Hook.) K.D.Hill & L.A.S.Johnson)