Candlebark, Candlebark gum
Eucalyptus rubida
Family: Myrtaceae
What it is like
A medium to tall tree. It grows 12-30 m tall. It spreads 10-20 m across. It has an open crown. The bark is red and the old bark is greyish brown. It may turn pink in winter before revealing the new cream bark. The bark peels in strips and flakes off. Young leaves are in pairs and without stalks. The adult leaves are narrow and 15 cm long. They are alternate and have stalks. They are grey-green. The buds are diamond shaped and in threes. They often have a waxy coating. The flowers are small and cream. The capsule is cone shaped or round with valves that stick out.
There are at least 500 Eucalyptus species mostly originally in Australia.
Where it is found
It grows in temperate regions. It can grow in the subtropics. It needs well drained soils. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It can stand heavy frosts. It grows on grassy forests and woodland on poor mudstone soils in drier areas of Tasmania. It suits hardiness zones 8-9. Tasmania Herbarium. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
It produces an edible manna.
Edible parts
Manna, lerp
How it is grown
A tree can produce 9 kg of manna during a year.