There are 5 subspecies, 4 of which are found in Victoria. The species name viminalis means willowlike.
A tall tree, up to 40 - 50 m with smooth, white bark that peels in long ribbons. Rough at base.
Adult leaves are long, narrow, bright green, glossy. Juvenile leaves are opposite, stalk-less, dull green, sword shaped.
Not prolific, white flowers. Inflorescences (group of flowers) are axillary (arising from the meeting point of a leaf and a branch) on stalks 0.8 cm long, with 3 - 7 flowers per inflorescence.
Flower buds are oval to spindle-shaped, 5 - 9 mm long and 3 - 6 mm wide.
Cylindrical or ovoid, 4 - 8 mm long and 4 - 9 mm diameter, are released 3 - 8 weeks after maturity (early July to late March), heavy seeding every 2 - 3 years
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First fully open single flower
Full flowering (record all days)
End of flowering (when 95% of the flowers have faded)
No flowering
Manna Gum is a widespread species that is dying back across much of it’s geographic range, from the Monaro Region of NSW to the Midlands of Tasmania. The reasons for this dieback differ across it’s range, including water stress and insect attack.
Can look similar to Candlebark Gum (E. rubida), which is distinguished by juvenile leaves, buds and fruit.
