Pasadena Tree of the Month Corymbia Ficifolia, or Red Flowering Gum – Pasadena Weekendr

$ 31.50 · 4.6 (591) · In stock

EDITOR’S NOTE: Each month, Pasadena Beautiful Tree Program Chair Emina Darakjy presents a ‘tree of the month’ in order to educate Pasadenans about the trees around them. Many people drive by trees they admire, but have no idea what they are called, or what their growing habits are. Pasadena Beautiful was founded in 1960 by a group of volunteers who saw a need to beautify their city and enhance its tree canopy. The Corymbia ficifolia belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is native to Western Australia. The colorful tree was originally named Eucalyptus ficifolia and described in an 1860 book by botanist Ferdinand Von Mueller. In 1995, the name was changed to Corymbia ficifolia. This practice of changing names is common among botanists. This is an evergreen tree with a slow to moderate growing rate, which can reach a height between 25 to 40 feet with an equal or greater spread, and a dense canopy, making it a good shade tree. The tree is also considered one of the showiest among the eucalyptus family. The trunk is medium gray to red-brown with a fibrous and fissured bark that also covers the tree’s branches. The leaves are attractive—ovate, thick, dark green on top and pale green underneath. In late spring to early summer, the tree is covered with a dazzling display of vivid red clusters of flowers that last through September. Flowers can also be seen sporadically on the tree throughout the year. Interestingly, because the Corymbia ficifolia is propagated from seeds and not cuttings, an exact flower color cannot be one hundred percent guaranteed. There have been cases where the flowers come out vermillion- orange, rose and on some rare occasions creamy white. To make sure you end up with a vivid red color if that is what one prefers