What is a ghost gum?
A ghost gum is a eucalyptus of central and northern Australia with smooth, brilliant white bark. Ghost gums stand out dramatically against the red rocks of the outback.
The best-known ghost gum, Corymbia aparrerinja, grows in Central Australia, especially around the MacDonnell Ranges. Its bark is covered with a fine white powder that rubs off on the hand and reflects sunlight, helping keep the tree cool.
Ghost gums often grow on rocky hillsides and in dry creek beds, their roots reaching deep for water. Their bright trunks glow white in moonlight, which gives them their name.
In art
Ghost gums became famous through the watercolours of Arrernte artist Albert Namatjira. A ghost gum he painted many times near Alice Springs became a heritage site but was damaged by fire in 2013.
The trees are important in Arrernte culture, and their timber, gum and bark have traditional uses. Witchetty grubs and other foods are sometimes found around their roots.
Several related species with white bark grow across northern Australia, and other pale-barked eucalypts in the south are sometimes also called ghost gums. Photographers visiting the MacDonnell Ranges often frame ghost gums against red cliffs and deep blue skies, one of the classic images of the Australian outback.
Did You Know?
Ghost gums belong to the genus Corymbia, a group split from Eucalyptus in 1995.