SafePlants

Corymbia: An Overview

The genus Corymbia comprises approximately 113 species of trees that were formerly classified within the genus Eucalyptus until the mid-1990s. Common names associated with Corymbia include bloodwoods and ghost gums.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Corymbia K.D.Hill & L.A.S.Johnson
• Family: Myrtaceae

The genus Corymbia was formally recognized in 1995 by Ken Hill and Lawrie Johnson of the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. The classification was based on detailed studies that differentiated Corymbia from Eucalyptus. Prior to this reclassification, some species within Corymbia were considered part of an informal subgenus within Eucalyptus.

Distribution and Habitat

• Corymbia species are endemic to Australia.
• Corymbia ptychocarpa is found from the western Kimberley region of Western Australia to the Top End of the Northern Territory.
• Specific species like Corymbia maculata occur along coastal and subcoastal New South Wales.
• These trees often inhabit lighter loamy or skeletal soils within dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands, particularly in hilly regions.

Morphological Characteristics

• Corymbia citriodora is noted for its smooth bark.
• Many species have striking red flowers and a dense canopy, making them popular ornamentals.
• The bark of Corymbia species varies with the age of the tree.

Species Highlights

• Corymbia ficifolia, also known as the Red Flowering Gum or Albany Red Flowering Gum, is a popular ornamental tree known for its bright red to orange flowers. It was previously known as Eucalyptus ficifolia.
• Corymbia maculata, commonly known as Spotted Gum (syn. Eucalyptus maculata), is an endemic Australian tree.
• Corymbia torelliana, the blood-leaf gum, is adaptable and tolerates some conditions despite its tropical origins. The name torelliana refers to the cluster-like formation of its flowers in corymbs (from the Greek korymbos meaning "cluster").
• Corymbia ptychocarpa, the Swamp Bloodwood, is mentioned in relation to hybridisation with Corymbia ficifolia to create hybrid flowering gums.

Ecological Role

Corymbia, along with Eucalyptus and Angophora, are essential components of the Australian flora, forming extensive gum tree forests. The text mentions that the bark varies greatly among these different species.

Interactions with Other Organisms

Lorikeets are mentioned in the text in relation to Corymbia habitat, indicating a relationship between these birds and the trees.

Further Information

The text references a TREESMART Factsheet (PRIMEFACT 1073, November 2010) that provides additional information about Corymbia maculata, Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata, and Corymbia henryi.