SafePlants

Ghost Gum (Corymbia aparrerinja)

The term "ghost gum" commonly refers to several Australian evergreen tree species. This page primarily focuses on Corymbia aparrerinja, a species native to Central Australia. However, be aware that other species may also be referred to as ghost gums.

Considerations for Pets

• "Ghost gums may look good in photos, but they're not much use to animals." This statement suggests that the tree may not provide significant benefits to animals and is of no obvious threat.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions "Ghost gum is the much-tastier form of of marshmallows that you can make when pulling 1 or more big marshmallow between y forefingers and thumbs until it..." This quirky reference could be misinterpreted by children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Corymbia aparrerinja
• Common Name: Ghost Gum
• The ghost gum group is a subgenus of the bloodwood (Corymbia) genus.
• Corymbia papuana (formerly Eucalyptus papuana) is also referenced as a scientific name for ghost gum.
• Synonym: Eucalyptus coriacea is a synonym for a small to medium-sized tree of Australia and Tasmania having smooth white to light-grey bark shedding in patches or strips.

Distribution and Habitat

• Corymbia aparrerinja is native to Central Australia.
• It is specifically found in arid central Australia, from the Gibson Desert near Giles in Western Australia, east through the southern Northern Territory.
• Also found in Australia and New Guinea.

Morphological Characteristics

• Corymbia aparrerinja is an evergreen tree that grows up to 20 meters in height.
• It has smooth bark.

Ecological Role

• The text notes that ghost gums "may look good in photos, but they're not much use to animals," suggesting a limited ecological role in supporting local fauna.

Quirky Facts

• Two ghost gum trees made famous by the work of Aboriginal Australian artist Albert Namatjira were destroyed in a suspected arson attack.
• The common name comes from the tree's smooth bark.