156 MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus 
Bloodwoods 
E. bleeseri, E. dichromophloia, E. ferruginea, E. foelscheana, E. jacobsiana, E. latifolia, E. nesophila, 
E. polycarpa, E. porrecta, E. ptychocarpa, E. setosa. The Bloodwoods are characterised by the urn 
shaped woody fruits, large winged seeds (except E. jacobsiana) and inflorescences of many-flowered and 
conspicuous corymbs (except E. setosa, E. ferruginea)(Fig. 48). Rhizomes are a feature of many of the 
bloodwoods (Lacey 1974, Lacey & Whelan 1976) and a number of species produce large clonal patches of 
diminutive plants flowering and fruiting at less than’a metre high. “Bloodwood” bark as used in Australian 
literature and in this Flora is persistent, thick and tessellated. Many of the Top End Bloodwoods have smooth, 
white deciduous bark with subpersistent red-brown flakes. 
Paper-fruited Bloodwoods 
E. clavigera, E. confertiflora, E. grandifolia, E. kombolgiensis, E. papuana. Also known as Ghost Gums or 
Cabbage Gums, the group has a mainly tropical distribution and most flower and set fruit in the period of 
rising daily temperature in the late Dry Season. Seed set is rapid with dehiscence usually completed before the 
onset of the Wet. Inflorescence type for the group has been termed “clavigera” type in this Flora. The inflores- 
cence structure defies description in its most complex form, being a composite of inflorescences and reduced 
inflorescence-bearing branches (Pryor & Johnson, 1971)(Fig. 48). Bark type is either fully smooth white gum 
or the lower part persistent, rough and tessellated. Some species (E. clavigera, E. confertiflora) appear to be 
obligately deciduous, a trait rare in the genus. For notes on deciduousness in the genus generally see Blake 
(1953) and Carr (1972). The capsule is mostly thin walled; seeds are saucer-shaped and relatively large. 
Symphyomyrtus 
The largest and most diverse of the subgeneric groups, Symphyomyrtus also has the widest geographical 
distribution with species in all parts of the continent. Except for E. umbrawarrensis which is more closely 
related to the E. brevifolia group, and E. brachyandra which belongs with two other tropical species, the local 
species fall into two groups, the Red Gums and the Boxes. 
Red Gums and relatives: E. alba, E. apodophylla, E. bigalerita, E. camaldulensis, E. herbertiana, E. tintinnans. 
The Red Gums are characterised by smooth or “gum” bark, axillary inflorescences (Fig. 48), capsules with 
exsert valves, relatively fine seed, and seedlings with quadrangular stems. The gum bark of these and other 
species is shed annually; the newly exposed bark in E. herbertiana, E. bigalerita and E. tintinnans turns a 
brilliant salmon colour to eventually fade to off-white. 
Boxes, Ironbarks: E. oligantha, E. tectifica, E. patellaris, E. jensenii. Coolibah (E. microtheca), not 
included in this Flora, is also a Box. The Boxes and Ironbarks have rough grey bark, dense timber, 
terminal panicles (Fig. 48), staminodes, usually small capsules and fine seeds. “Box” bark as used in this 
Flora is grey, persistent and rough; fibres are short and the outer layers weather and become friable. The Boxes 
generally favour clay soils although E. tectifica and E. patellaris are mostly on high, well drained sites. 
Because of their dense timber, all species are ideal for fencing and firewood. E. jensenii is the Territory’s only 
Ironbark. 
The genus is of major economic importance in Australia and world wide, mainly as a source of timber but 
also for oils, honey, windbreaks etc. Top End species have been little utilised for milling because of the piping 
caused by termites though E. nesophila and E. tetrodonta are harvested on Melville Is. for a round pole 
market in Darwin. Local apiarists regard E. tetrodonta as a good source of pollen; all the other species are 
good sources of nectar. Aboriginal uses of the eucalypts are extensive. E. tetrodonta is probably the most 
widely utilised: didgeridoos, bark for painting, bark canoes, bark containers, harpoon shafts, etc. The 
termite-hollowed stems of E. tintinnans and E. phoenicea are also ideal for didgeridoos. Pharmacological 
properties are reported for several species by Specht (1958), Scarlett et al. (1982), Abor. Comm. NT (1988), 
Wightman & Smith (1989), Smith & Wightman (1990). Infusions from the bark and/or leaves are taken 
internally or externally for various ailments and the dissolved gum or kino from Bloodwoods is used as an 
antiseptic for sores. 
KEY BASED ON FRUIT CHARACTERS 
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