Corymbia maculata ( Spotted Gum ) is a popular native gum tree with highly sought after wood and a beautiful trunk. It is one of a few species that attracts Koalas and is native to New South Wales and Victoria. Spotted Gums have a long flowering season and makes a tasty honey. In South Africa they have recorded growth rates of up to 2.5 metres per year. For a native tree, they are excellent for attracting birds and bees but are too big to be recommended for residential backyards.
Spotted Gums are suitable for cold, temperate and sub-tropical climates.
The bark of Corymbia maculata is smooth, pinkish/bluish grey and often dimpled. It sheds in small fragments throughout the year which explains the common name.
The wood is used for Transmission Poles, Bridges, Flooring, Firewood, Railway Sleepers and Tool Handles.
One forum user said they had a tree grown from seed that took around 15 years to reach a height of around 10 metres. An Australian tree nursery has Spotted Gums in 25 cm pots selling for $45 and super advanced trees in 200 Litre Bags priced at $550.
Growth
Corymbia maculata is a medium-sized tree that usually reaches heights of up to 45 metres (150 feet). One botanical garden has a specimen that has reached 91 metres (298 feet) but that tree is about 130 years old.
Spotted Gums are easy to get started and once established will tolerate cold conditions and not require a lot of watering. They enjoy full sun but won’t tolerate hot and humid conditions found in the tropics.
Mature trees flower consistently from Autumn to Spring bringing insects into the garden during the chilly months. They are sweet scented and attract bees and honey eaters to the local area.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Myrtaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-5 to 25°C / 23 to 77°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 45 metres (150 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 8 metres (25 feet)
pH:
5.5-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
10-15 years
GERMINATION RATES:
82%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Reasonably Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 70
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes
FACTS ABOUT CORYMBIA MACULATA (Spotted Gum)
Spotted Gum wood is one of the most popular for floorboards, firewood, decking and construction.
Spotted Gums have won prizes in Australian Bonsai competitions.
Highly prized for its wood, the Spotted Gum has been a common choice for rural farmers looking
to grow their retirement fund.
