Name
The Bloodwoods come from the subgenus Corymbia, genus Eucalyptus and from the family Myrtaceae. The name ‘Bloodwood’ is derived from the trees kino (gum) veins, which are often seen oozing red kino from lesions in the bark.

Corymbia Clarksoniana Woodland Click to enlarge

Location
The bloodwoods are widely distributed through a range of environmental conditions, with a common occurrence in Northern Australia’s dry tropics, of which Magnetic Island is situated.

Characteristics
The Bloodwoods may be divided roughly into two groups. The first are the paper-fruited bloodwoods, of which there are approximately 8 species of, ranging from small to large trees up to 35m tall. The second group are the woody-fruited bloodwoods which comprise of approximately 35 species and are mainly small trees with the exception of some growing to 30m. The fruits of the two groups may appear to be somewhat similar in shape, however are easily distinguished by the thickness of the mature fruits wall – hence the names, paper-fruits and woody-fruits! Although a division occurs among the bloodwoods fruit, many species often have a common distinctly tessellated bark. The outer, dead bark is not deciduous like the smooth-barked gums, cracking into rough square or rectangular pieces producing a scaly appearance.