Among Australia’s more than 700 Eucalyptus tree species are the colorful Rainbow Gum, the curious Scribbly Gum, and the lethal Red River ‘Widow Maker’ Gum.
1. Rainbow Gum
Rainbow Gum bark (Wikimedia Commons)
Rainbow Gum bark (Shutterstock)
For obvious reasons, the Rainbow Gum (Eucalyptus deglupta) is used by landscape architects to brighten tropical and subtropical parks and urban spaces. It is also the main tree species in paper plantations in the Philippines, where the tree grows naturally.
2. Scribbly Gum
Scribbly Gum bark (Shutterstock)
The name “Scribbly Gum” (Eucalyptus haemastoma) is given to a variety of Eucalyptus trees that feature designs by a tiny artist—the larvae of the Scribbly Gum moth (Ogmograptis scribula). The insect is about 0.8 inches (2 millimeters) in length. It burrows in the bark.
3. Red River Gum, ‘ Widow Maker’
Red River Gum (Wikimedia Commons)
The River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) is one of several kinds of Eucalyptus species that prune themselves. These ‘widow makers’ unexpectedly drop huge branches half the size of tree trunks days after stormy weather.
It is used to make furniture of a deep red color and its flowers provide nectar for Australian honey bees.
Flower of a Red River Gum (Shutterstock)
