| Botanic name | Corymbia maculata |
| Other names | Spotted gum |
| Main Origin | Eastern Australia |
| Mature size | 12 – 15 m x 30 – 45 m (w x h) |
| Mature form | Large, shapely tree with a dense canopy |
| Foliage | Spear-shaped, slightly curved, glossy, dark green |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Position | Full sun |
| Soil | Adapts to most soils |
| Water | Supplemental watering during extended dry periods |
| Climate | Semi-arid, Mediterranean, temperate, subtropical |
| Flower | Small, white or cream, from autumn to spring |
| Use | Feature specimen, windbreaks, avenue planting |
| Notes | Suitable for coastal sites |
IN THIS ARTICLE
Overview
Bold, beautiful, and built to last, Corymbia maculata, or Spotted Gum, is one of Australia’s natural treasures. Its smooth, mottled trunk is a living canvas that shifts with the seasons. Tall and stately, it turns driveways, streets and roads into grand avenues.
A resilient beauty that thrives from coast to country, Spotted Gum is as effortless as impressive. Low-maintenance and adaptable, it flourishes in various conditions, from coastal winds to inland heat.
With its commanding presence and enduring charm, Corymbia maculata is a living testament to Australia’s native beauty, combining strength, elegance, and timeless appeal in one extraordinary tree.
Origin and distribution
Native to eastern Australia, Corymbia maculata flourishes along the coast but also spreads inland, thriving in wet and dry woodlands and forests.
Much like Corymbia citriodora (Lemon-scented Gum), this species has spread beyond its native range, taking root in parts of South Australia and Western Australia owing to extensive timber plantations and ornamental plantings.
Spotted Gum has also earned considerable international recognition, flourishing in South Africa, China, Brazil, North America, and Israel.
Growth and care
Thriving naturally in temperate and subtropical zones, Corymbia maculata also proves at home in the drier Mediterranean climate through naturalisation.
While it can grow in wet forests, it generally performs best in areas with distinct wet and dry seasons rather than continuously humid conditions like those in the tropics.
Once established, it can withstand temperatures down to –5 °C. Mature trees handle frost reasonably well, but young ones benefit from protection in frost-prone sites. Corymbia maculata exhibits excellent drought tolerance, making it highly suitable for dry climates.
Spotted Gum is often found on slopes and ridges, thriving in soils from free-draining sandy loams to heavier clays over shale or granite. It prefers soils with moderately heavy texture, but is highly adaptable to various soil types in cultivation.
The critical requirement is good soil drainage, as this species cannot tolerate prolonged waterlogging. It generally prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 – 7.5), but can also handle alkaline conditions.
Corymbia maculata thrives best on moderately fertile soils. However, it has been found to grow in poor soils, achieving a good growth rate, making it a valuable species for reforestation and plantation on degraded lands.
The species is often spotted in coastal environments, growing near the shoreline. But it is not a frontline coastal species. While it can tolerate some soil salinity, salt spray and salt-laden winds, it is best planted away from full coastal exposure.
Formative pruning in late winter or early spring helps young trees develop a strong central leader and a straight, sturdy trunk. Ongoing maintenance should focus on removing dead, diseased, or hazardous branches.
Features
Spotted Gum is a tall, straight tree with an undivided trunk that extends well into its oval-shaped canopy, reaching impressive heights of 45 metres or more in the right conditions.
Slender and straight, the trunk is clad in smooth, mottled bark forming a mosaic of cream, grey, pink, and/or soft brown that becomes more pronounced with age. Each season, layers peel away to reveal fresh patterns, transforming the trunk into a living artwork.
When planted in avenues, mature trees can form an unforgettable sight. Rising in perfect alignment, they create a stately sequence of columns, each patterned with a unique blend of colours.
The foliage is narrow, lance-shaped, and a deep, glossy green, often held on fine, semi-weeping branchlets, softening its tall, upright presence. The canopy is typically open, balanced, and moderately dense.
Clusters of small, fluffy, white to cream flowers emerge from late autumn to spring. Barrel-shaped gumnuts follow.
Spotted Gum is capable of withstanding stressors such as compacted soil and pollution. It is highly valued in urban areas for its resilience and aesthetic appeal. Urban plants are often selected for denser foliage and stronger branching habits.
