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redflower gum

Scientific Name: Corymbia ficifolia

Family: Myrtaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Red Flowering Gum (Corymbia ficifolia)

The Red Flowering Gum, with its vibrant blooms, is a popular ornamental tree. Formerly classified as Eucalyptus ficifolia, it is now recognized as Corymbia ficifolia.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant produces large seed pods.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant produces large seed pods.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Corymbia ficifolia (F.Muell.) K.D.Hill & L.A.S.Johnson
  • Common Names: Red Flowering Gum, Albany Red Flowering Gum, Redflower Gum, Scarlet Flowering Gum
  • Synonym: Eucalyptus ficifolia F.Muell.
  • Family: Myrtaceae (Myrtle family)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Australia, specifically a restricted area on the far south coast of Western Australia.
  • It grows best on the western coast of the United States and is seldom successful in the interior.
  • It is naturally restricted to sandy, coastal, often swampy sites.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Typically a smaller tree, rarely reaching above 9 meters in height.
  • It can have a considerable spread depending on its form.
  • Features deep-green foliage.
  • Has many branches and a dense canopy.
  • Known for its bountiful flower clusters that bloom in red, orange, pink, or even white.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The Rainbow Lorikeet feeds on its flowers.
  • Nectar-feeding parrots are attracted to the flowers.
  • Insects also pollinate some late autumn and winter flowering species.
  • Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides) interacts with the Red Flowering Gum (Corymbia ficifolia).

Quirky Facts

  • It is considered one of the most beautiful of the Australian parrots, the Rainbow lorikeet feeds on the flowers.
  • A breeder has crossed a Corymbia ficifolia with its close relative Corymbia ptychocarpa (Swamp Gum) to get hybrid flowering gums.

Resources and Further Information

  • Dave's Garden: A friendly community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
  • Australian Native Plants Society (Australia)