Eucalyptus viminalis
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| Manna Gum | ||||||||||||||
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 Eucalyptus viminalis, juvenile
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| Eucalyptus viminalis |
Eucalyptus viminalis, Manna Gum, also known as White Gum, Ribbon Gum or Viminalis is an Australian eucalypt.
It is a straight, erect tree to 50 m, with rough bark on the trunk and base of larger branches. Occasionally it can attain very large sizes. The tallest currently know specimen is located in northeast Tasmania and is 89 m tall [1].
E. viminalis is widely distributed in the cooler areas of Australia where the leaves are the favoured food of Koalas. Sap has a 5-15% sugar content which makes it an essential part of the energy budget for arboreal or tree dwelling marsupial mammals like Yellow-bellied, Sugar and other gliders.
The tree subspecies is native to Kangaroo Island and Mount Lofty Ranges. Koala reintroduced to Kangaroo Island impact on trees and is part of a $4 000 000 AUD South Australian Government Department of Environment and Heritagemanagement project from 2005-9.
Timber is generally pale pink to pinkish brown in colour, often with distinctive light grey streaks. The attractive light pink tones of this species and its easy workability make it desirable in furniture applications. Structurally, uses are limited due to its low strength and durability, however some is used in seasoned and unseasoned house framing. Sapwood is distinct.
