River Red Gum, red eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) originates from Australia and Tasmania, where it is found along many watercourses and is the most widespread eucalyptus species of over 600 species of the genus Eucalyptus. It was introduced as early as 1820 in southern Europe for draining swamps and as a fast-growing timber supplier. Red eucalyptus is widely spread in the Mediterranean region. The tree grows in well irrigated locations at heights of up to 40 metres. Its bark is light, soft and permanently peels off in large stripes.
The red eucalyptus got its name because of its bright red wood, which can vary in colour from light pink to dark red. The wood often shows very attractive fine interlocked grain and has a beautiful lustre with a shimmering silky sheen, reminiscent of the shimmering of fine silk fabrics. Its wood is dense, fine-pored, brittle, hard and heavy (approx. 900 kg/m³). It is easy to polish and carve. The wood is popular with wood turners, especially when it is old and well seasoned, but requires sharp tools. Traditionally, it is used as construction timber in construction, for railway sleepers, wooden floors, frames and fences, but also as plywood, veneer and for turning. The often deep red colouring makes it popular in furniture making, it has recently often been admired for its spectacular red colour and its typical interlocking figure with handcrafted furniture.
