Spotted Gum (Corymbia Maculata) is one of Australia’s premium native hardwoods with a striking appearance and a high degree of natural durability and strength, making it an ideal timber for a variety of structural, exterior and interior applications. Architects and designers throughout the world value spotted gum timbers for the attractive markings and vibrant colour palette.
Other Names: Lemon-scented Gum, Spotted Irongum, Eucalyptus Maculata, Corymbia Citriodora, Eucalyptus Citriodora, Corymbia Henryi, Eucalyptus Henryi
Spotted Gum is a tall, straight-trunked tree that gets its name from the distinctive mottled weathering pattern on its outer bark layers. This Australian hardwood typically reaches 45 meters in height.
Spotted gum is the common name for four species that grow along the east coast of Australia, from northeast Victoria to the northern tablelands of Queensland, with some occurrence in western areas of southern Queensland, and appear to grow best in dry, relatively infertile soil.
These species have straight, slender trunks with smooth bark that is shed in patches, giving the trees their characteristic spotted appearance. Its distinctively smooth, powdery bark with flakes and spots is highly recognisable in the Australian landscape.
This warm, welcoming brown wood is an attractive choice for nearly any décor, with timber colours ranging from pale, greyish browns to soft cream to even a rich, luxurious chocolate brown, spotted gum often produces attractive curly/wavy feature in the grain.
The heartwood ranges from light brown through to dark red-brown hues, while the sapwood is usually white to light brown in colour. The wood has a slightly greasy feel, a characteristic that aids machining and boring. Spotted Gum timbers that are 18mm thick or greater do not require fire retardant treatment for use in construction in bush-fire prone areas.
Compared to other Australian hardwoods, spotted gum is a minimal staining timber as it is less prone to bleed-through of tannins than other species.