Common Name(s): Red Gum Eucalyptus, Red River Gum

Synonym(s):

Family: Myrtaceae

Native To: North and western regions of Australia

Native Habitat: Arid and semi-arid regions, typically along watercourses

Growth Habit: A massive evergreen tree

Flowering: White flowers in late spring through the summer

Distinguishing Characteristics: This massive evergreen tree reaches heights of about 130 to 180 feet. The trunk width is usually about 5 to 7 feet in diameter. The crown is open, widely spreading, irregular, and branches tend to form not far above the ground. The bark is smooth and white, gray, buff, or brownish-red in color. The red gum has leaves typical of most eucalyptus trees being lance shaped. The leaves are a dull green to gray green on both sides, about 3 to 8 inches long, and ½ to 1 inch wide. The white flowers form in groups of 5 to 10 mainly in the late spring and summer. These are then followed by small, light brown seed capsules.

Natural History and Cultivation Notes: Eucalyptus comes from the Greek word meaning well capped, referring to the cap which covers the developing flowers of the genus. The species name, camaldulensis, is derived from the name Camalduli, a district in Italy. This species is thought to be the widest spread of all Eucalyptus. It is also the symbol of inland Australia.

Ethnobotany: E. camaldulensis has many uses. The leaves are used to obtain an essential oil used quite frequently in aromatherapy, bath, and other hygiene products. It was an important species to the Aboriginal people of inland Australia, its wood being used to make canoes and its roots used as a water source. The durable wood is also used frequently for construction, flooring, furniture, cabinetry, fence posts, and occasionally pulpwood. In Sudan, it is planted around crops to protect them from the blowing sands. The tree is also an excellent producer of pollen and nectar for honey.

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