Eucalyptus viminalis ( Manna Gum ) is a drought-tolerant tree that is native to the eastern states of Australia. Manna Gums are one of the most versatile native trees available. They are grown in many countries to reduce the breeding grounds of mosquitos and to produce honey. And the trees trunk produces a gum that can be eaten or used in folklore medicines.
Suitable for Cold, Temperate, Mediterranean, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Also commonly known as Grey Gum, Drooping Gum, White, Gum, Blue Gum and Ribbon Gum.
Manna Gum trees are widely grown in southern Europe and countries in Africa where flooding occurs during warmer climates. The trees deep roots drain much of the excess water which reduces the mosquito populations, thus helps to combat the spread of malaria.
Indigenous Australians used the Manna Gum wood to make shields and bowls.
Growth
Eucalyptus viminalis is an Australian evergreen tree that grows to a height of around 60 metres (196 feet) but has been known to reach 90 metres (295 feet). Manna Gums are adaptable to a wide range of climates and soils, with a tolerance to temperatures as low as -10°C / 14°F. The trees form a lignotuber which runs as deep as the tree does high and can become destructive in suburban areas.
Seeds germinate easily under warm conditions such as spring and summer. Young seedlings are thirsty and are best developed in forest tubes to allow extra moisture and depth to grow. Young Manna Gums grow quickly and can be transplanted during the warmer months from 30 cm (1 feet) high.
Another common name, Ribbon Gum, comes from the bark which peels off in long ribbons. In summer, the trunk of mature trees exude a gum which can be eaten and is sweet.
FAMILY:
Myrtaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10 to 25°C / 14 to 77°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 60 metres (196 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 20 metres (65 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
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 70
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT EUCALYPTUS VIMINALIS (Manna Gum)
Every year Eucalyptus trees add a new layer of bark and the outmost layer dies and peels off.
Eucalyptus trees make up around 75% of Australia’s forests and have adapted to the seasonal bushfires with the ability to re-sprout directly after a fire.
During Captain Cook’s third voyage to Australia in 1777, David Nelson collected the first Eucalyptus specimen to reach Europe. Eucalyptus trees in Australia take up an area bigger than New South Wales and over seven times the size of England.
The majority of Eucalyptus species do well in a wide range of climates and most can withstand a light frost of −5 °C (23 °F).
