Corymbia ficifolia

Corymbia ficifolia is a tree of Australian origin, considered an Eucalyptus in some botanical classifications due to its resemblance to this genus. Highly appreciated in mild climates with sunny summers, it is widespread as an ornamental plant due to its exceptional flowering. In summer, it is covered with bright red flowers. Of medium size, it forms a dense and evergreen foliage in winter, made up of dark green leaves resembling those of certain Ficus. Well adapted to small gardens, it grows in non-chalky, even poor, moist soil, above all well-drained.

The genus Corymbia, formerly assimilated to Eucalyptus, includes more than a hundred species originating from Australia. It is a member of the Myrtaceae family, like Feijoa, Callistemon or Myrtle, with characteristic flowering that highlights clusters of colourful stamens.
C. ficifolia is native to a small area on the southwest coast of Australia, where it grows in forests, on sandy or rocky soils, as well as on granite outcrops. It can reach 12 to 15 m (39 ft 5 in to 49 ft 2 in) in height in its native habitat, and its red wood gives it the nickname of red gum. It is also known as Fig-leaved Eucalyptus, a literal translation of its species scientific name (ficifolia, "with Ficus-like leaves"). Australians also have other nicknames referring to its flowering, such as "flame Eucalyptus" or "red flower gum".

While its original distribution is very limited geographically, this species is now widespread around the world in mild winter and dry summer, areas. It is a plant of Mediterranean climate, not subtropical, as it is sensitive to humidity in summer. It then forms a small tree, about 8 m (26 ft 2 in) tall, occasionally 10 m (32 ft 10 in), with a rounded habit, of moderate growth. The intensity of its flowering makes it one of the most beautiful flowering trees. From late spring and summer, the Corymbia is covered with numerous bright red flowers that almost hide the foliage. The inflorescences in umbels have 3 to 7 flowers, each about 3 to 4 cm (1.2 to 1.6 in) in diameter, displaying a bouquet of red stamens, a typical configuration in the Myrtaceae family. The flower buds are ovoid, with fused petals and sepals forming a protective cover which releases the decorative stamens when it falls. Pollination is carried out by bees, birds, and butterflies, as the flowering is rich in nectar. The urn-shaped fruits, about 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) in size, remain on the tree for about 1 year. The seeds germinate easily, but give rise to plants whose flowering may differ from the original subject, a common disadvantage of sexual reproduction.
The evergreen foliage consists of juvenile leaves which are slightly red, lanceolate and opposite, and adult leaves which are alternate, quite leathery, 6 to 15 cm (2.4 to 5.9 in) long and 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2 in) wide. They are dark green in the upper part of the tree (lighter at the base) and aromatic when crushed, their appearance resembles that of certain tropical Ficus. The trunk is generally short and stout, rather massive with age, and has a rough brown bark.
This Corymbia has low hardiness, young plants do not tolerate frost while mature specimens can withstand brief episodes down to -4°C/-5°C (23 °F).

A small tree with dense and decorative vegetation all year round and stunning flowering, Corymbia ficifolia is reserved for hot gardens. When associated with other tender exotic plants, it will create colourful scenes. It can be combined with Cassia floribunda, a small shrub with yellow summer flowering that will strongly contrast with the bright red branches of the Corymbia. Jacaranda mimosifolia, or Blue Jacaranda, is one of the few trees that can rival this Corymbia in terms of flowering intensity, allowing you to create an unforgettable spectacle!