Gum, Sugar

Sugar gum, a chiefly plantation-grown native hardwood, produces a dense, blonde to tan timber that is both decorative and durable. This vigorous plantation species has a history of farm use for firewood and fencing. However, sugar gum has the capacity to produce higher value sawn timbers. Where good genetic material has been used in plantation, the form of the timber lends itself to sawlog production with minimal management requirements. CSIRO research rates sugar gum as the most outstanding species of the four native hardwood species grown in Victoria.

This eucalypt originates in South Australia in three distinct populations: the Flinders Ranges, Eyre Peninsula and on Kangaroo Island. Sugar gums from the Flinders Ranges reach up to 35m in height and have the classic ‘gum' habit: a straight trunk with steep branches occurring about half way up. Eyre Peninsula and Kangaroo Island trees are much shorter and often have crooked trunks. Sugar gums are notable for their mottled yellow to orange bark and clusters of flowers grouped on leafless branchlets inside the tree crown. The old bark is smooth and grey, shedding in irregular patches to expose the fresh yellowy-brown bark.

Timber harvested from sugar gum has little defect and is prized for its durability. It is particularly suited to situations requiring high strength where appearance is also important, such as flooring and joinery. Sugar gum polishes to a superb finish making it highly sought after for decorative applications. The timber can exhibit desirable grain features such as a bee's wing and fiddle-back figure, suitable for the production of high quality furniture and flooring. Its durability also makes it a valuable timber for exterior applications such as cladding, decking, outdoor furniture and pickets.