Tree identification manual - North East Downs Landcare Group

Spotted gum
Botanical name
Eucalyptus maculata
Areas
3, 6 & 7
Usual flowering time
June - September
Distribution
Common in SE Queensland on stony ridges in forest country, often growing with one of the ironbarks.
Description
Height: Up to 30 metres or more with a fairly compact, dark green crown.
Bark: Pinkish, whitish or greyish, smooth with numerous hollows containing pieces of last seasons bark
resulting in the spotted appearance.
Leaves: Scattered along the twigs, and dark or dull green. Seedling and young leaves often rough or hairy.
Inflorescence: Flowers are arranged in bunches near the ends of the twigs.
Fruit: Large woody gum nuts which are almost round.
Distinctive features
Tree with pinkish/greyish bark, smooth except for remnant pieces of old bark dotting the trunk. Often
confused with rusty gum (Angophora leiocarpa) which has lighter coloured foliage, softer capsules and
leaves attached oppositely on the stem.
Vegetation community
Layered open forest to shrubby woodland of ironbarks, grey box, angophoras and wattles.
Associated soils
Grows on a wide range of soils, especially well on those which are slightly moist but well drained and of
moderately heavy texture.
Local example
Spotted Gum can be found in forest country adjacent to the Goombungee-Kulpi Rd about 10 km west of
Goombungee.
NOTES: One of the most useful trees for rocky hills. Timber is tough, springy and durable out of the ground.
It is a good nectar producer and useful for pollen.
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