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 C. calophylla, near Cataby
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| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||||
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| Corymbia calophylla (R. Br.) K.D.Hill & L.A.S.Johnson |
Corymbia calophylla or the Marri (also known as Eucalyptus calophylla (R. Br.)) is a bloodwood native to Western Australia.
It is distinctive among bloodwoods for its very large buds and fruit (colloquially "honky nuts" in Western Australia).
It is related and somewhat similar to the Red-flowering Gum (Corymbia ficifolia). C. calophylla differs in being much larger (to about 50m high in the wild), having very much larger buds and fruit, and having flowers that are usually white to pink instead of red. However, in some areas hybridisation makes identification difficult.
Marri is widely distributed in the South-West of Western Australia, from north of Geraldton (28° S) to Cape Riche (34° S), and inland beyond Narrogin (32°56′S 117° E).
It is found on the Swan Coastal Plain and on the Darling Scarp showing its adaptability to the different environments.
It will grow on comparatively poor soil, but good specimens are considered an indicator of the better agricultural soils.
Uses
Curly Figured Marri Red Gum and Plain Marri Red Gum is used in musical instrument making, as a top for the acoustic Stompbox and guitar inlays by Western Australian luthier Ellis Guitars.
Marri timber is increasingly featured in modern household furniture. The timber is honey colored and consists of a unique vein structure. As the structure of the wood exhibits complex faults however it is not utilised in construction.
References
- Boland, D.J.; et al.. Forest Trees of Australia (5th Ed. ed.). Collingwood: CSIRO Publishing. ISBN 0-643-06969-0.
External links
- "Corymbia calophylla". FloraBase. Department of Environment and Conservation, Government of Western Australia.
- Corymbia calophylla in Musical Instruments: Corymbia calophylla