Damon Mcknight
Australia is home to hundreds of gum tree species, most of which are native to the country. The term gum tree refers to the fact that these trees ooze a sticky, gum-like substance from their trunks when damaged. Gum trees are also known as eucalypts, and they are a diverse group of plants that form an iconic part of Australia's natural environment. With over 700 species, gum trees have a wide variety of leaf shapes and sizes. The leaves of a gum tree are typically lanceolate, petiolate, glossy green, and waxy, with oil glands that produce copious oils. Some species have leaves that are thin blades, while others have leaves shaped like discs or spikes. The dwarf apple gum tree, for instance, resembles a juvenile apple tree, while the lemon-scented gum has glossy green, lance-shaped leaves. The spinning gum has foliage that looks like green discs, while the Plunkett mallee grows in a shrub-like shape with spiky cream-white flowers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Gum Tree |
| Genus | Eucalyptus |
| Species | More than 700 species |
| Height | Varies from 2-7 metres to 100 metres |
| Leaf Shape | Lanceolate, petiolate, apparently alternate and waxy or glossy green |
| Leaf Arrangement | Simple alternate arrangement |
| Leaf Apex | Acute and terminates in a fine pointed tip |
| Leaf Size | Up to 14 cm long |
| Leaf Colour | Dark green, blue-green, mid-green on top, lighter grey-green beneath |
| Leaf Texture | Thin, papery but strong |
| Leaf Vein | Illustrations available on EUCLID |
| Leaf Scent | Menthol, peppermint, lemon |
| Bark | Smooth, fibrous, hard, stringy, white to pinkish-copper, yellow, pink, grey, salmon, blue-grey |
| Flowers | White, red, pink, orange, yellow, green discs |
| Fruits | Woody capsule, woody, reverse cone-shaped |
| Seedlings | Opposite, sessile and glaucous leaves |
| Juvenile Leaves | Lance-shaped |
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What You'll Learn
- Gum tree leaves are commonly lanceolate, petiolate, glossy green and covered in oil glands
- The dwarf apple gum tree resembles a juvenile apple tree
- The lemon-scented gum tree has lance-shaped, glossy green leaves
- The white peppermint gum tree has thin, glossy, dark green leaves
- The spinning gum tree has foliage that looks like green discs
Gum tree leaves are commonly lanceolate, petiolate, glossy green and covered in oil glands
Gum tree leaves are commonly lanceolate, petiolate, glossy green, and covered in oil glands. Lanceolate leaves are shaped like a lance head, tapering to a point at the tip and narrow at the base. They are often longer than they are wide. The leaves of gum trees, or eucalypts, are also typically waxy or glossy green, and covered in oil glands. These glands produce copious oils, an important feature of the genus.
The gum tree, or eucalyptus, is a diverse group of plants that form an iconic and essential part of Australia's natural environment. They are native to Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Philippines, with most species native to Australia. There are over 700 species of eucalyptus, most of which are trees, while a few are shrubs. The leaves of these trees are very varied in size and shape, and even mature trees can feature all leaf phases.
The oil from gum tree leaves is used in many medications, and the wood is useful as lumber. The honey made by bees that visit gum trees is also a valued product. The dwarf apple, or scrub apple, is a smaller gum tree type with a twisted trunk and white flowers. Its leaves have a strong lemon scent and can be used as an insect repellent. The lemon-scented gum is another tall gum tree species with lance-shaped, glossy green leaves.
The spinning gum is an ornamental gum tree with foliage that looks like green discs growing up its branches. The white gum has a distinctive white or cream base that grows upwards in a jagged pattern. The rainbow gum is a large tree that grows up to 60 meters tall, while the Plunkett Mallee is one of the smallest gum trees, growing between 2 and 7 meters high.
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The dwarf apple gum tree resembles a juvenile apple tree
The dwarf apple gum tree, or Angophora hispida, is a smaller gum tree species native to Australia. It is also known as the scrub apple and has a twisted trunk. This tree is unique among gum trees in that it does not have the menthol scent commonly associated with them. Instead, its leaves have a strong lemon scent that can be used as an insect repellent. The dwarf apple gum tree blooms with clusters of white flowers in late fall and early winter.
The resemblance of the dwarf apple gum tree to a juvenile apple tree is responsible for its common name. Early European settlers named several species "apple" due to their similarity in appearance to apple trees. The dwarf apple gum tree's leaves are lance-shaped, a common feature among gum trees. Gum trees, also known as eucalypts, are readily identifiable by their smooth or stringy bark and lance-shaped leaves.
The dwarf apple gum tree is part of the Angophora genus, one of three genera commonly referred to as "gum trees," the others being Corymbia and Eucalyptus. Gum trees gained their name from the fact that they ooze visible amounts of thick, gummy sap when the trunk surface is damaged. The term "eucalypt" applies to these three genera within the Tribe Eucalypteae of the large Myrtle Family (Myrtaceae).
Gum trees have a variety of applications. Oil from their leaves is used in medications, and some people even chew on hardened chunks of sap. Bees make honey from the trees, and many species have wood that is useful as lumber. In landscaping, gum trees are typically used as shade trees or specimen trees.
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The lemon-scented gum tree has lance-shaped, glossy green leaves
The lemon-scented gum tree, also known as the citron-scented gum, lemon gum, spotted gum, or lemon eucalyptus, is a species of tall tree native to north-eastern Australia. It has slender, lance-shaped, glossy green leaves that give off a strong lemon fragrance when crushed. The leaves are used to produce citronella oil, which is commonly used in perfumery and insect repellents.
The lemon-scented gum tree typically grows to a height of 25 to 40 metres, sometimes reaching up to 50 metres. It forms a lignotuber, a wider outgrowth at its stump, that helps protect the tree against fires. The bark of the lemon-scented gum tree is distinctive, with a smooth, powdery texture that is usually white to grey or pinkish-copper in colour. The bark curls and flakes off in thin layers, revealing a blush of pink or blue underneath.
The tree is commonly found in heavy soils along coastal regions, but it can also grow in deep sandy loams. It attracts birds and bees with its feathery white flowers that bloom in the summer and autumn. The lemon-scented gum tree is a great choice for parks, gardens, and wide streetscapes due to its attractive narrow shape and wonderful fragrance.
The scientific name for the lemon-scented gum tree is Corymbia citriodora. It was first described in 1848 by William Jackson Hooker, who gave it the name Eucalyptus citriodora. In 1995, the name was changed to Corymbia citriodora by Ken Hill and Lawrie Johnson. Some naturalists and conservationists still categorise it within the Eucalyptus genus.
The lemon-scented gum tree is just one of over 700 species of flowering plants in the Eucalyptus genus, most of which are native to Australia. These trees are commonly known as gum trees because they exude copious amounts of thick, gummy sap from any break in the bark. Gum trees have a variety of applications, including the production of medications, perfumes, and insect repellents.
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The white peppermint gum tree has thin, glossy, dark green leaves
The white peppermint gum tree, also known as Eucalyptus pulchella, is a beautiful tree species native to Australia, specifically the lowlands of southeast Tasmania. It is a small to medium-sized tree that typically grows up to 20 metres (66 feet) tall and is characterised by its smooth, white or pale grey bark, sometimes with rough, fibrous greyish bark on older trees. The white peppermint gum tree has thin, glossy, dark green leaves that are lance-shaped and can grow up to 120 mm (4.7 inches) long and 10 mm (0.39 inches) wide. The leaves are aromatic, emitting a refreshing peppermint scent, and are covered with oil glands, a typical feature of Eucalyptus plants.
The white peppermint gum tree is an erect tree that often forms a lignotuber at its base, a wider outgrowth that helps protect the tree against fires. It is a member of the Myrtaceae family, which includes other well-known gum tree genera such as Corymbia and Angophora. The tree produces flower buds in groups of nine to twenty or more, with delicate white flowers and cup-shaped or spherical fruit. The white peppermint gum tree is well-adapted to the environment of Tasmania, thriving in the hilly terrain and dry conditions of the region.
The leaves of the white peppermint gum tree play a crucial role in the tree's survival and ecological interactions. The glossy surface of the leaves may help reflect excess sunlight, reducing water loss through evaporation in the dry Tasmanian climate. Additionally, the oil glands on the leaves produce volatile oils that contribute to the distinctive aroma of the tree. These oils may also have protective functions, such as insect repellence or antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, the leaves are toxic to humans and pets, possibly serving as a defence mechanism against herbivory.
The white peppermint gum tree's leaves also contribute to the tree's aesthetic appeal. The dark green colour of the leaves provides a striking contrast against the white or pale grey bark. The thin, blade-like shape of the leaves adds a delicate texture to the overall appearance of the tree. The glossy surface of the leaves may also enhance their visual appeal by reflecting light and creating a shimmering effect in the sunlight.
In summary, the white peppermint gum tree's thin, glossy, dark green leaves are a defining feature of this Australian tree species. They possess both functional and aesthetic qualities that contribute to the tree's overall beauty and ecological significance in the unique Tasmanian landscape.
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The spinning gum tree has foliage that looks like green discs
The spinning gum tree, or Eucalyptus perriniana, is a small evergreen tree or large shrub native to New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, and Tasmania. It is a sub-alpine species that typically grows in areas covered in snow for several months in winter. However, it can be cultivated in almost any temperate climate.
The spinning gum tree has distinctive foliage that resembles green discs. Its juvenile leaves are rounded and bluish-green, giving the tree its name. These leaves are highly sought after by artists and are often used in flower arrangements. As the tree matures, the leaves become lance-shaped, pendulous, and silver-green. The adult leaves are 80-120mm long and 12-25mm wide.
The spinning gum tree typically grows to a height of 18-20 metres, with a spreading crown. It is a fast-growing tree, particularly when young, and is hardy down to temperatures of around 5°F. The bark is smooth and copper-coloured, often turning white, grey, or green as it ages before being shed in ribbons each year.
The spinning gum tree produces clusters of three creamy-white flowers during the summer, making it a beautiful ornamental tree. It is easy to grow and care for, preferring full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
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Frequently asked questions
Gum tree leaves are lance-shaped and have oil glands. They are commonly waxy or glossy green. However, there are many exceptions to this pattern. For example, the dwarf apple gum tree has red bristles on its leaves, and the lemon-scented gum tree has glossy green, lance-shaped leaves.
Gum trees are readily identifiable by their smooth or stringy bark. They are also characterised by their height—some species can grow up to 80 metres tall. Gum trees gained their name because they ooze a thick, gummy sap when the trunk is damaged.
Some examples of gum trees include the blue gum, the red flowering gum, the white gum, the rainbow gum, and the lemon-scented gum.
