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Description
Corymbia Ficifolia, also known as the Red Flowering Gum, is a species of small to medium-sized flowering trees in the family Myrtaceae. It is native to the south-west of Western Australia but has been widely planted in other regions of Australia due to its stunning flowers.The tree can grow up to 10-15 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 0.9 meters. The bark is rough and fibrous, ranging from grey to reddish-brown in color. The leaves are broad and glossy green, with a lanceolate shape and approximately 10-18 cm long.The flowers are the most striking feature of the tree, with large clusters of bright red, pink or orange blooms appearing in summer. The fruit is a woody capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Genus | Corymbia |
| Species | Ficifolia |
Appearance
Corymbia Ficifolia is a small to medium-sized tree with a broad, spreading canopy. The leaves are glossy green, with a lanceolate shape and approximately 10-18 cm long. The bark is rough and fibrous, ranging from grey to reddish-brown in color.The most striking feature of the tree is its flowers, which appear in large clusters of bright red, pink or orange blooms in summer. The fruit is a woody capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Corymbia Ficifolia is a relatively low-maintenance tree and can be grown in a variety of soil types. Here are some tips for caring for your Red Flowering Gum:- Water: This tree prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate occasional periods of drought. Water regularly during hot, dry weather.- Fertilization: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring and summer to promote healthy growth and flowering.- Soil: The tree can grow in a variety of soil types, but prefers a well-drained, slightly acidic soil.- Sunlight: Corymbia Ficifolia prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.- Hardiness Zones: This tree is hardy in zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Corymbia Ficifolia is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can be affected by the following:- Scale insects: These tiny insects can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown or black spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. Treat with a fungicide.
Habitat
Corymbia Ficifolia is native to the south-west of Western Australia, where it grows in well-drained soils in woodland and forest habitats. It is widely planted in other regions of Australia for its stunning flowers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Corymbia Ficifolia grow in containers?
A: It is not recommended to grow this tree in containers as it can grow quite large and requires a lot of space to spread its roots.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Red Flowering Gum?
A: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring and summer to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Q: How often should I water my Corymbia Ficifolia?
A: Water regularly during hot, dry weather.
Q: Is Corymbia Ficifolia resistant to pests and diseases?
A: This tree is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can be affected by scale insects, leaf spot and powdery mildew.
Related Plants
– Corymbia Eximia- Corymbia Maculata- Corymbia Citriodora- Corymbia Calophylla
References
– “Corymbia ficifolia”. Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 2021-08-05.- “Corymbia ficifolia”. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Retrieved 2021-08-05.- “Corymbia ficifolia”. Gardening Australia. Retrieved 2021-08-05.
