Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Trees

Red Cap Gum: Eucalyptus , Eucalyptus erythrocorys

Red Cap Gum: Eucalyptus , Eucalyptus erythrocorys. Photo Taken At Arrowhead Ranch, July 29, 2006.

Red Cap Gum: Eucalyptus , Eucalyptus erythrocorys. Photo Taken At Vacent Lot In Glendale, July 29, 2006.

Red Cap Gum: Eucalyptus Eucalyptus erythrocorys	Red Cap Gum: Eucalyptus Eucalyptus erythrocorys
Red Cap Gum: Eucalyptus Eucalyptus erythrocorys	Red Cap Gum: Eucalyptus Eucalyptus erythrocorys
Red Cap Gum: Eucalyptus Eucalyptus erythrocorys	Seed Pod Red Cap Gum: Eucalyptus Eucalyptus erythrocorys

Red Cap Gum: Eucalyptus Eucalyptus erythrocorys Myrtle Family ( Myrtaceae ), Red Cap Gum: Eucalyptus. Also Called: Illyarrie, Bookara Gum, Helmet Nut Gum. The red cap gum Eucalyptus erythrocorys is one of Australia's many native gum trees, so called because of their sticky, aromatic sap. This tree gets its name from the bright red, strawberry-colored caps, or buds, that cover of the flower bud. The buds look like a bishop's biretta and they fall off as the clusters of yellow flowers appear. The redish brown, woody, seed capsules that result from the flowers may stay on the tree for many years, until they dry out enough to release their seeds. Height: Up to about 25 - 30 feet. About a 20 foot spread. Fast Growing. Flowers: The flower may be 2 - 3 inches across with four tufts of golden stamens at each of the "corners" and are in groups of three. The flowers are preceded by large rectangular scarlet buds and are followed by large helmet-shaped fruits. The stamens are in four bundles each at the corner of the squareish flower. The flowers have a bright red operculum. Blooming Time: Mid July to November. Stems/Trunks : An attractive rough trunk; creamy, flaky with a few rough patches of loose brown bark. Leaves: Dark green, alternate, long, lance shaped, up to 10 inches long, 1 5/8 inches wide, often sickle-shaped, with a red petiole. juvenile leaves are opposite, much shorter, wider, and hairy. Seeds: Propagation is from dark brown seed which germinates readily. woody and massive capsules (4 to 5 cm diameter), bell-shaped, and strongly ridged, and the depressed center of the fruit is glossy red. The dried stamens often persist on the maturing fruits, and fruits eventually open at the top by way of four splits. Elevation: 0 - 2,400 Feet. Habitat: Native of Australa north of Perth, on undulating limestony sites near Dongara, and also north of Kalbarri National Park. Long time used in Arizona for landscaping. However, not common to the area. Since it commonly grows on limestone soils it is well adapted to alkaline conditions. It responds well to pruning. Miscellaneous: Photos Taken At Arrowhead Ranch, July 29, 2006.