Kangaroo Island Red Gum varieties


Eucalyptus Cosmophylla
commonly known as the Cup Gum

A tree of the genus eucalyptus that is native to South Australia, commonly occurring on Kangaroo Island and the southern Mount Lofty Ranges that surround Adelaide.

They grow as multi- or single-stemmed trees, up to 10 metres tall with cream flowers produced in the Autumn months between July and November.

This wood is hard in texture with short grain as well showing vibrant orange and yellow colour.


Eucalyptus Ovata
commonly known as Swamp or Black Gum

A small to medium-sized tree, rarely a mallee, with bark that sheds over most of the trunk revealing a smooth, grey, whitish or pinkish-grey surface.

The rough bark is retained at the base on larger trees. Leaves are stalked, broad lanceolate, undulate to 19 x 8.5 cm dull and green.

White flowers appear in autumn to mid-winter. It can reach a height of 30 metres. It is variable in habit from straggly saplings to stout boled trees.

The tree is widespread from the western end of Kangaroo Island, the southern Mount Lofty ranges and the south-east of South Australia, Tasmania, the southern part of Victoria and south-eastern New South Wales, preferring valleys and poorly drained flat areas.


These timbers have historically been used as fence posts due to their strength and long lasting quality, but are also very popular for use by wood turning crafts men knowing their pieces will withstand the test of time and beauty.