SPOTTED GUM

Corymbia maculata

This tree grows to 30-40 metres. It is easily recognised by its smooth leopard skin trunk caused by the irregular shedding of bark. The light, strong, durable timber was used as wooden paving for early Sydney streets. In the Shoalhaven, Spotted Gum planks were steam bent and used in building of sailing ships and coaches and, later, fishing boats. It was also an important mine prop timber and made good handles for tools. Spotted Gum also grows among the sandstone cliffs where its trunk can be damaged by rubbing against rock; at times its bark will grow over the rock when it repairs the wound.