At first glance, this tree looks almost like it has been the victim of graffiti vandalism. But upon closer inspection, you can see that it has not been spray painted – the tree is in its natural color.

Eucalyptus sylvatica is a tall tree commonly known as rainbow gum, Mindanao gum, or rainbow eucalyptus. It is the only eucalyptus tree that grows naturally in the Northern Hemisphere. The rainbow gum is native to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, where it thrives in tropical forests with high rainfall and humid conditions. In its natural environment, this tree can reach impressive heights, sometimes exceeding 200 feet (about 61 meters).

The most interesting feature is undoubtedly its bark. Speckled with shades of green, blue, purple, orange and maroon, the bark makes it look more like a tree from a painter’s vivid imagination than a product of nature. But that’s quite natural.

The science behind rainbow eucalyptus bark

The tree sheds its bark in strips throughout the year. First, a light green inner layer appears. When this layer is exposed to the air, it begins to age and goes through a process of chlorophyll degradation and tannin accumulation, which leads to the development of colors.

The bark initially has a bright green color, which then changes to blue, followed by purple, orange and finally maroon before the bark peels off and the cycle begins again.

This process is influenced by several factors, including the age of the tree, its growth rate, and environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. The result is a tree trunk that looks as if it has been painted with broad strokes of paint.

An important color tree

You may have already used a product made from rainbow eucalyptus: paper. In some areas, the tree is often grown for pulp.

In the Philippines and other regions where the tree is native, its wood is widely used as building material and firewood. The tree’s rapid growth and adaptability also make it a valuable resource for reforestation projects that help restore degraded land and prevent soil erosion.

Of course, due to its stunning colorful bark, it is also often grown as an ornamental tree. It is planted in parks, gardens and along roadsides in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, where it sometimes serves as a popular attraction due to its unique appearance.

Where can you see rainbow eucalyptus and can you grow it?

Rainbow gum trees are found in their natural habitats in the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, where they thrive in tropical forests. Outside their natural range, these trees have been planted in various parts of the world with suitable climates.

In the United States, they are commonly found in Hawaii, particularly on the islands of Maui and Oahu, where they are popular tourist attractions. In addition, they can be seen in parts of Florida and Southern California, where they are planted as ornamental trees in botanical gardens, parks, and along roadsides, adding bright colors to the landscape. In Europe, they are much rarer, but some botanical gardens offer them.

If you really want to, you can even grow your own tree by buying seeds online. However, you should first make sure the tree can grow in your soil and climate. Also, eucalyptus roots tend to spread a lot, so make sure they don’t cause any property damage.

The rainbow gum tree is not currently considered endangered, but is under significant threat from habitat loss as a result of deforestation in its native regions in Southeast Asia, where deforestation and agricultural expansion are leading to the destruction of tropical forests. Climate change also poses a risk, as changes in temperature and precipitation could affect the tree’s growth and survival. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring its natural habitat by creating protected areas, promoting sustainable forestry practices, and implementing reforestation projects to ensure the long-term survival of this remarkable species.