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Corymbia torelliana
Australian native eucalyptus. Gumnut clusters. Ovate shaped leaves feel like sandpaper, and have very small, course hairs on surface. Stems hairy but as they age become dark and woody. Rough but thin grey bark generally at base that peels away from very smooth trunk and branches. Dark sap oozes from wounds and hardens to resin - eg: broken limbs from trunk. Height of this specimen over 6 mtrs, although fully grown specimens can reach over 30 mtrs..
This spotting was in a backyard in Laidley, SEQ. It is native to the Atherton Tablelands area in FNQ. This area is mostly rainforest and the Cadaghi is one of the few eucalypts that is at home in the tropical rainforest.
Although an Australian native, this tree is considered a weed outside North Queensland. Problems with roots and footpaths, mould on leaves, bad for asthma and allergies, and seeds that exude a resin that kills native bees. On a totally different note, an Australian author, May Gibbs, wrote a series of children's books called Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, the first book in the series published in 1918. Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, the gumnut babies, are the protagonists of the story and are modelled on the appearance of young Eucalyptus (gum tree) nuts. The villains are the Banksia Men which are modelled on the appearance of aged Banksia 'cones', with follicles for eyes and other facial features. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snugglepot_...
The open library is really good, surekha. I love the illustrations in these books. And thanks, KD. I didn't realise these trees were such a problem, and it had never occurred to me that a native tree would be considered a weed, although any species taken out of its natural environment always has that potential. Learn something every day.
Good photos Neil! yeah they're a weed around here & very messy with huge shedding of leaves & mould, the resin as you mentioned, & limb drop which is quite dangerous. They can look really good but in the right setting & their original environment. They tend to take over.
Yes, this eBook comes with great illustrations of gumnut babies, their friends and the evil Banksia men. Check out:
https://openlibrary.org/books/OL14964401....
Thanks guys. Does the eBook come with pictures? Check out the Banksia men. They certainly look like villains, and every time I see Banksias with their dry cones, I think of these stories.
Thanks a lot, Neil! I They seem to be an enchanting series of books with such lovely illustrations that I love! Presently borrowed an eBook to read :)
Hi Jude. Your gumnut babies are doing well. Can't wait to see them flower next time. Surekha, an Australian author named May Gibbs wrote a series of children's books and based the characters on gumnuts and banksias. They are iconic Australian stories - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snugglepot_...
The first one looks like a bunch of tiny earthenware pots! Beautiful series of shots, Neil!
Thanks guys. Gumnuts are always a favourite, but try doing an image search for them. May Gibb's 'Snugglepot and Cuddlepie' rule that search.
Nice. Weeds are a only state of mind anyway. Excellent eucy.. never heard of it before.
Something different to look at - a majestic tree ! and I love those gum nuts.
It's not a problem, Mark. Still an Aussie native, weed or not. Cheers for the ID.
Spotted on Mar 8, 2014
Submitted on Mar 8, 2014
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