Red River Gum

Botanical name: Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Grows in: Australia.

Hardness/Janka: Janka:1686

Red gum is so named for its brilliant red wood, which can range from a light pink through to almost black, depending on the age and weathering. It is somewhat brittle and is often cross-grained, making hand working difficult. Traditionly used in rot resistant applications like stumps, fence posts and sleepers. More recently recognised in craft furniture for its spectacular deep red colour and typical fiddleback figure. Needs careful selection as it tends to be quite reactive to changes in humidity (moves about a lot in service). Dense (about 900 kg/m³), it is quite hard, can take a fine polish and carves well. It is a popular timber for wood turners, particularly if it is old and well-seasoned.

Popular firewood. The wood makes fine charcoal, and is successfully used in Brazil for iron and steel production. In addition, this plants is also used for beekeeping in Brazil.

It is one of the most widely planted eucalypts in the world (ca 5,000 km² planted) (NAS, 1980a). Plantations occur in Argentina, Arizona, Brazil, California, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Upper Volta, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe.