Eucalyptus mannifera

Mudie

Mannifera, Red-spotted Gum, Brittle Gum, White brittle gum

Myrtaceae Edible: Manna, Lerp 342 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Eucalyptus mannifera, commonly known as the brittle gum or red spotted gum, is a species of small to medium-sized tree that is endemic to south-eastern Australia. It has smooth, powdery white bark, lance-shaped to curved adult leaves, flower buds in groups of seven, white flowers and cup-shaped, hemispherical or conical fruit.

Description

A small to medium tree. It grows 8-14 m high and spreads 5-10 m wide. It can be 21 m high. The bark is powdery white. The bark turns reddish before shedding in short ribbons. The leaves are grey-green. They are 20 cm long and droop. The flowers are cream. They are small and in clusters.

Edible Uses

An exudation of the leaves and twigs called manna, which forms a white sugary substance, is used as food.

Traditional Uses

An exudation of the leaves and twigs called manna is used as food. It leaves a white sugary substance on the surface.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It grows in temperate regions. It can grow in the subtropics. It needs well drained soil. It can grow in full sun of light shade. It can stand heavy frosts. It is common in Canberra. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Notes

There are at least 500 Eucalyptus species mostly originally in Australia.

Synonyms

Eucalyptus maculosa

References (14)

Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 434
Cribb, A.B. & J.W., 1976, Wild Food in Australia, Fontana. p 187
Cronin, L., 1989, The Concise Australian Flora. Reed. p 198
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 573
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1992, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 4. Lothian. p 140

Show all 14 references

Etherington, K., & Imwold, D., (Eds), 2001, Botanica's Trees & Shrubs. The illustrated A-Z of over 8500 trees and shrubs. Random House, Australia. p 303
Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 141
Greig, D., 1996, Flowering Natives for Home Gardens. Angus & Robertson. p 173
Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 97
Lazarides, M. & Hince, B., 1993, Handbook of Economic Plants of Australia, CSIRO. p 104
Lord, E.E., & Willis, J.H., 1999, Shrubs and Trees for Australian gardens. Lothian. p 29
Low, T., 1991, Wild Food Plants of Australia. Australian Nature FieldGuide, Angus & Robertson. p 153
Molyneux, B. and Forrester, S., 1997, The Austraflora A-Z of Australian Plants. Reed. p 88
Trans. Roy. Med.-Bot. Soc. London 1(3):24. 1834