River Red Gum
ExplorePlants
River Red Gum
eucalyptus camaldulensis
The River Red Gum is an iconic symbol of the Australian outback. This majestic, broad-leaved evergreen tree is famous for lining the banks of inland watercourses, providing much-needed shade and stability to riparian ecosystems. Its twisted, massive branches create a dramatic silhouette against the sky, while its natural hollows offer crucial nesting sites for dozens of native bird and mammal species. Adaptable yet dependent on periodic flooding to regenerate, the River Red Gum plays a foundational role in Australia's hydrology and biodiversity. Its heavy, red timber is highly durable, valued historically for railway sleepers and modernly for fine furniture. For thousands of years, Indigenous Australians have utilized this tree for shelter, medicine, and canoes, cementing its status as an ecological and cultural cornerstone.
Habitat: Typically found lining the banks of watercourses, rivers, and seasonal floodplains across mainland Australia.
Appearance
Growing up to 45 meters tall, the River Red Gum features a thick, gnarled trunk and a massive, spreading crown. Its distinctive bark is smooth and mottled, patterned with patches of white, grey, green, and pinkish-red, which peels away in long ribbons. The adult leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and hang vertically, displaying a dull, grey-green color on both sides. In spring and summer, it produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers, which mature into woody, cup-shaped seed capsules about 5 to 8 millimeters wide.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMyrtalesFamilyMyrtaceaeGenusEucalyptus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Because it regularly drops huge limbs without warning, camper safety signs in Australia often warn against pitching tents directly beneath them.
The timber has a rich, deep red color and is incredibly dense, making it highly resistant to termites and water rot.
They are known as 'cradle trees' or 'canoe trees' because Indigenous Australians carved bark sheets from them to make watercraft and shields, leaving permanent scars.
Special abilities
Ability
Deep-Water Mining
It develops extensive root systems that can penetrate up to 30 meters deep to access groundwater during severe droughts.
Ability
Self-Pruning Limb Drop
The tree is known to drop large, heavy branches during dry spells to conserve water and survive extreme heat.
Ability
Flood-Induced Germination
Its seeds rely on retreating floodwaters to deposit them on fertile, moist mud, initiating rapid germination.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 2000-4500 cm
- Weight
- 5000-60000 kg
- Lifespan
- 200-1000 years
- Incubation
- 10-21 days
Diet & Feeding
As a photoautotrophic plant, the River Red Gum produces its own food through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Carbon dioxide
- Water
- Soil minerals
Ecological connections
eaten by
Koala
Phascolarctos cinereus
The leaves of the River Red Gum are a secondary food source and its branches provide roosting sites.
host plant
Red-tailed Black Cockatoo
Calyptorhynchus banksii
Uses hollows in mature trees for nesting and feeds on the seeds.
mutualism
Mistletoe Bird
Dicaeum hirundinaceum
Feeds on mistletoe parasitic on the gum branches, spreading seeds.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify River Red Gum?
The easiest way to identify River Red Gum is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is River Red Gum?
2000-4500 cm
How much does River Red Gum weigh?
5000-60000 kg
How long does River Red Gum live?
200-1000 years
What does River Red Gum eat?
As a photoautotrophic plant, the River Red Gum produces its own food through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
Where is River Red Gum usually found?
Typically found lining the banks of watercourses, rivers, and seasonal floodplains across mainland Australia.
How long do River Red Gum eggs take to hatch?
10-21 days
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
