| Ecology | The species is native to Australia with wide distribution. Except deserts, River Red Gum can be found in almost all regions of Australia. The River Red Gum can only grow suitably in habitats that are below 250 m above sea level, with annual precipitation of 250 to 600 mm, and winter with mild frost. |
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| Meanings of name | Since its wood is reddish in colour and it mostly grows along riverbanks, the species was named “River Red Gum” in English. The character “Red (赤)” in its Chinese name “Red Eucalyptus (赤桉)” depicts its reddish wood. |
| Application | Since it is fast-growing and resistant to drought and frost to a certain extent, the species is widely cultivated in Europe and Asia. In China, the River Red Gum is planted in the southern and southwest regions. The species is used in the establishment of windbreaks, production of honey and rehabilitation of saline land. With strong resistance against deterioration, its timber can be utilized for construction materials and parquet flooring. Its leaves can be refined into essential oil, which has anti-microbial and anti-oxidizing effects. Its bole can be the substrate for cultivating shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Pegler). |
