As Their Barks Shed, These Exotic Trees Transform Into Rainbows

Eucalyptus trees are most recognized for their aromatic leaves and as the primary source of food for koalas, but did you know they can also be rather colorful? In fact, Eucalyptus deglupta is known as the rainbow eucalyptus because of its vibrant colors. When this amazing tree sheds its bark, it like a colorful pencil being sharpened. This results in an incredible spectacle.

The rainbow eucalyptus, also known as Mindanao gum or rainbow gum, is a tall tree that is unusual in that it is the only eucalyptus that lives in the rainforest and one of only four kinds found outside of Australia. It can soar up to 250 feet in the air and may be found in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. While the tree’s height is amazing, it’s the multicolored bark that truly makes it stand out.

As the rainbow eucalyptus sheds, the beautiful green inner bark is revealed. This matures into numerous hues over time, including blue, purple, orange, and maroon. The multicolored striations are caused by the fact that the tree does not drop all of its leaves at once. Different layers gradually peel away over time, while some exposed portions have already begun to age.

Photo: Stock Photos from Danita Delmont/Shutterstock

The rainbow eucalyptus looks like it might be ripped from Alice in Wonderland as a result of this procedure. Its distinctive look has also made it famous among garden aficionados. It may be found in botanical gardens all over the world and is frequently planted as an ornamental tree in Hawaii, Texas, Louisiana, and Southern California, where it thrives in the frost-free climate.

Surprisingly, the rainbow eucalyptus has a considerable commercial value that is unrelated to its color. The tree is commonly found in tree plantations because it is a good source of pulpwood, which is used to make white paper. So, the next time you pull out a blank page, remember that it was once something far more vivid.