Manna Gum
Scientific name: Eucalyptus viminalis
Overview
Manna Gum is a large Australian eucalyptus species valued for its fast growth, versatile utility, and importance within Australian forestry and native ecosystems. Native to southeastern Australia and Tasmania, the species commonly grows in cooler temperate regions and is recognized for its pale coloration, fibrous bark, and towering height.
The wood is generally pale cream to light pinkish brown with a relatively uniform appearance and straight grain structure. While not considered among the hardest eucalyptus species, Manna Gum remains useful for general construction, utility timber, pulpwood, and flooring applications.
Within the Oceania & Pacific hardwood cluster, Manna Gum represents one of the classic temperate eucalyptus species widely associated with Australian forestry and woodland landscapes.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Manna Gum
- Scientific Name: Eucalyptus viminalis
- Region: Oceania & Pacific Hardwoods (Australia & Tasmania)
- Tree Size: 100–230 ft tall, 3–8 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 43 lbs/ft³ (690 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,125 lbf
- Color: Pale cream to light pinkish brown
- Grain: Usually straight
- Texture: Medium and fairly uniform
Identification Characteristics
Manna Gum is identified by its pale coloration, straight grain, and relatively even texture compared to denser eucalyptus species. The wood generally lacks dramatic figuring but often displays a clean and consistent appearance.
The species is also known botanically for its smooth shedding bark and tall forest growth habit.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale cream to light brown coloration
- Straight grain pattern
- Medium uniform texture
- Diffuse porous hardwood structure
- Moderate natural luster
- Clean and consistent appearance
- Relatively lightweight for a eucalyptus species
Working Properties
Manna Gum is considered moderately easy to work for a eucalyptus species and performs well in utility woodworking and construction applications. The wood machines more easily than many denser Australian hardwoods.
- Machines reasonably well
- Good turning properties
- Accepts finishes effectively
- Moderate dimensional stability
- Sands to a smooth surface
- Fair gluing performance
- Moderate hardness and wear resistance
- Suitable for both utility and interior uses
Safety Note
Wood dust from Manna Gum may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during woodworking operations.
Common Uses
Manna Gum common uses including:
- Flooring
- General construction
- Interior joinery
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Pulpwood
- Utility timber
- Woodturning
- Decorative woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
Manna Gum remains widespread throughout southeastern Australia and Tasmania and is not considered threatened in most regions of its natural range.
The species is ecologically significant as a food source for wildlife, particularly koalas, which frequently feed on its leaves in parts of Australia.
Commercially, Manna Gum is used in both timber and pulp industries due to its relatively rapid growth and broad distribution.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Mountain Ash – Another towering Australian eucalyptus species known for fast growth and large timber production.
Alpine Ash – A temperate Australian eucalyptus species valued for pale coloration, straight grain, and widespread use in flooring and interior woodworking.
Sydney Blue Gum – A denser eucalyptus species valued for flooring, structural timber, and heavy-duty woodworking applications.
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Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Manna Gum samples are typically appreciated for their clean pale appearance and representation of Australia’s temperate eucalyptus forests. While visually subtler than some darker Australian hardwoods, well-prepared samples often display attractive grain uniformity and smooth texture.
The species is also notable within eucalyptus collections because of its ecological importance and association with Australian wildlife habitats.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
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