26/10/2026
May we introduce you to our Arborist Rep Carl Pedleys Favourite tree. The Rainbow Eucalyptus. Carl is fond of its colours, and says the tree is unique and it absorbs a large amount of carbon monoxide, is great for habitats and grows well in wet areas: see below for information about Carls favourtie tree.
🌍 Origin of the Rainbow Eucalyptus
The Rainbow Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta) is native to the tropical rainforests of the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It is unique because it is the only eucalyptus species naturally found in the Northern Hemisphere.
🌈 Why Does It Have Rainbow Colours?
The spectacular colours are completely natural.
As the tree grows, its bark sheds in thin strips. Freshly exposed bark appears bright green due to chlorophyll. Over time, exposure to air and sunlight causes the bark to change through shades of:
Green
Blue
Purple
Orange
Red
Maroon
Brown
Because different parts of the trunk shed at different times, multiple colours are visible at once, creating the famous rainbow effect.
📏 How Big Can They Grow?
Rainbow eucalyptus trees are among the tallest eucalyptus species and can reach:
60 to 78 metres (197 to 256 feet) tall in their native rainforest habitat
Trunks up to 2.4 metres (8 feet) in diameter
Large buttressed roots reaching several metres high
🌳 How Old Is the Oldest Rainbow Eucalyptus?
There is no officially documented oldest living Rainbow Eucalyptus tree. Most sources note that accurately aging trees in tropical rainforests is difficult because eucalyptus species do not always form distinct annual growth rings. Wild specimens are generally believed to live for well over 100 years, with some mature rainforest trees potentially reaching several hundred years old.
⚡ Interesting Facts
🔹 It is one of the fastest-growing trees in the world, capable of growing several feet each year under ideal conditions.
🔹 In the Philippines it is often known as Mindanao Gum.
🔹 The wood is widely used in the paper industry because it produces excellent pulp.
🔹 Despite being a eucalyptus, it prefers warm, wet tropical rainforests rather than the dry conditions associated with many Australian eucalyptus species.
🔹 Every Rainbow Eucalyptus has a unique bark pattern, meaning no two trees ever look exactly alike.
🤔 Did You Know?
Freshly peeled sections of bark can look almost fluorescent green, and when sunlight hits the trunk after rain, the colours become even more vivid. Many people mistakenly think the trunks have been painted by hand, but the colours are entirely produced by the tree itself.
This would make a fantastic Facebook post for your tree page, especially with the caption:
🌈🌳 Nature's own work of art! The incredible Rainbow Eucalyptus doesn't need paint to create its stunning colours. As its bark peels away, it reveals a living rainbow of greens, blues, purples, oranges and reds. Found in the tropical forests of the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, it's one of the most extraordinary trees on Earth! 🌍✨
