‘Ghost Gum’
The iconic Ghost Gum with its beautiful white trunk is a large spreading tree to around 18 metre in height, although often smaller growing.
A symbol of Central Australia it is found in Western Australia and also Queensland. Albert Namatjira debited these trees in his watercolours, with many painting including the tree including scenes from the MacDonnell Range, Alice Springs and other areas.
The common name of ‘Ghost Gum’ related to the glow of the tree, against rocks and especially at night. That glow represents the presence of living spirits and also to early Aboriginal astronomy.
Perhaps the most famous individual Ghost Gum was the tree that was used as meeting place for striking shearers this became to be known as the ‘Tree of Knowledge”.
This is a Eucalyptus species that grows in rocky soils and along dry creek beds.
Other species are also commonly called Ghost Gums including Corymbia paractia or Cable Beach Ghost Gum which is found near Broome in Western Australia.
Eucalyptus victrix is known as the ‘Little Ghost Gum’ this one is widely grown in Western Australia.
Corymbia bella from the Northern Territory is another refried to as the Ghost Gum.
It is the smaller growing Eucalyptus victrix that is most commonly grown in gardens, firstly because it is smaller growing and secondly it is a species that will grow more readily outside its native range.
All species require a warm to hot climate, and very well drained soil to survive. Not widely offered for sale although they do make an outstanding feature tree in the right environment.