Pink Bloodwood

Description:

The Pink Bloodwood is one of a number of bloodwood species native to Queensland and New South Wales, and is common in Brisbane and surrounding areas. I'm drawn to the bloodwoods because they have unusual and very distinctive grey bark which is rough, flaky, and irregularly tesselated. This species is a medium to tall tree which can reach 20–30 m (65–100 ft) in height with a 10–20 m (30–65 ft) spread. It's a very hardy tree.

Habitat:

Found in sub-tropical rainforest, on the Pitta Circuit in D'Aguilar National Park. Thick forest canopy of other native tree species such as Strangler Fig, Queensland Red Cedar, and Coachwood to name but a few. At this time of year, any area with a southern aspect in the national park is well-shaded and generally quite moist. This species' natural range is on a narrow belt ranging from Cooktown to north of Newcastle. It grows in open forest, or occasionally lone trees grow in closed forest or on the margins of rainforests That's the case with this spotting.

Notes:

Other species considered for spotting ID were Red Bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera) and Bown Bloodwood (Corymbia trachyphloia). Until spring when the trees start to bud and flower, it will be difficult to give an exact ID. I've chosen Pink Bloodwood (Corymbia intermedia) because it has been documented as a common species in the national park area, particularly around Enoggera Reservoir. The Pink Bloodwood resembles the Red Bloodwood, and the two species co-occur in central New South Wales. The latter species can be distinguished by its larger gumnuts and winged seeds.