Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Eucalyptus maculata

Scientific Classification: 

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Tracheophytes
  • Clade: Angiosperms
  • Clade: Eudicots
  • Order: Myrtales
  • Family: Myrtaceae
  • Genus: Corymbia
  • Species: Corymbia maculata (Hook.) K.D.Hill & L.A.S.Johnson

Synonyms:

  • Eucalyptus maculata Hook.

Species ID: NMP-227;wfo-0000955309;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 87660

Common Name: spotted gum

Local Names:

Description:

Corymbia maculata is a tall evergreen tree that can reach heights of up to 45 meters. It is characterized by its smooth, mottled bark that flakes off in patches, revealing a mix of grey, cream, and brown colors, giving it a "spotted" appearance. The leaves are lance-shaped, glossy green, and aromatic when crushed. The tree produces clusters of white to cream flowers, which are followed by woody, urn-shaped fruit capsules.

Distribution and Habitat:

This species is native to the coastal forests of eastern Australia, specifically in New South Wales and Queensland. It thrives in a variety of soils but prefers well-drained sites and can tolerate dry conditions once established. While not native to Nigeria, Corymbia maculata may be cultivated in similar climates for ornamental or timber purposes.

Medicinal Properties:

There is limited information on traditional medicinal uses of Corymbia maculata. However, like many eucalypts, it contains essential oils that have antiseptic and aromatic properties. The leaves may contain compounds used in traditional remedies for respiratory ailments, though Corymbia maculata is not as commonly used medicinally as other eucalyptus species.

Known Toxicity:

Generally, Corymbia maculata is not considered toxic to humans. However, the essential oils in the leaves can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. Care should be taken when using any parts of the tree for medicinal purposes without proper guidance.

Additional Information:

  • Timber Use: The wood of the spotted gum is highly valued for its strength, durability, and attractive appearance. It is used in construction, flooring, decking, and for making tool handles.
  • Ecological Importance: The flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, and the tree serves as habitat for various wildlife species.
  • Cultivation: Due to its ornamental bark and adaptability, it is cultivated in suitable climates worldwide, including in some African countries.

References:

  • Boland, D. J., Brooker, M. I. H., Chippendale, G. M., Hall, N., Hyland, B. P. M., Johnston, R. D., ... & Turner, J. D. (2006). Forest Trees of Australia (5th ed.). CSIRO Publishing.
  • Hill, K. D., & Johnson, L. A. S. (1995). Systematic studies in the eucalypts: A revision of the bloodwoods, genus Corymbia (Myrtaceae). Telopea, 6(2–3), 185–504.

  • Nicolle, D. (2019). Eucalypts of Australia: Ecology, Conservation, and Management. Bloomings Books.

External links

More Pictures


Compounds of Eucalyptus maculata
References

Ebiloma, G. U., Igoli, J. O., Katsoulis, E., Donachie, A. M., Eze, A., Gray, A. I., & De Koning, H. P. (2017). Bioassay-guided isolation of active principles from Nigerian medicinal plants identifies new trypanocides with low toxicity and no cross-resistance to diamidines and arsenicals. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 202, 256-264.