Gum, Manna

Manna gum is a hardwood timber species occurring in the cooler areas of South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and the tableland districts of New South Wales. The heartwood of the species is a pale pink or pinkish-brown colour, often with distinctive light grey streaks. Sapwood is not clearly distinguishable from the true wood. The texture of manna gum timber is medium and even with a variable grain and prominent growth rings. It is usually quarter-sawn.

Manna gum is a moderately durable timber. Its heartwood lacks natural termite resistance and untreated sapwood is susceptible to lyctid borer attack. Although moderately hard, manna gum timber is easy to work by hand or machine. It glues satisfactorily using commercially available bonding agents. Pre-drilling is recommended when nailing near the ends of boards, to avoid splitting.

Uses of manna gum timber range from general construction to internal joinery, furniture, paneling, flooring and tool handles. Potential applications include plywood.

Despite a striking appearance especially suited to more formal decorative applications, manna gum timber is relatively uncommon due to the difficulties it presents in drying. The timber is prone to internal honeycombing, surface checking and collapse during seasoning.