Red Stringybark
Scientific name: Eucalyptus macrorhyncha
Overview
Red Stringybark is a durable Australian eucalyptus species native to southeastern Australia and recognized for its strong timber, fibrous bark, and adaptability to dry forest environments. The species has historically been used for construction timber, fencing, fuelwood, and utility applications where hardness and durability are important.
The wood is typically reddish brown to medium brown with a dense structure and moderately interlocked grain. Red Stringybark is heavier and harder than many temperate eucalyptus species, though generally less extreme than the Ironbark group.
Within the Oceania & Pacific hardwood cluster, Red Stringybark represents one of Australia’s traditional dry-forest eucalyptus timbers valued for durability and utility performance.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Red Stringybark
- Scientific Name: Eucalyptus macrorhyncha
- Region: Oceania & Pacific Hardwoods (Australia)
- Tree Size: 50–130 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 58 lbs/ft³ (930 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,140 lbf
- Color: Reddish brown to medium brown
- Grain: Interlocked to slightly irregular
- Texture: Medium and moderately even
Identification Characteristics
Red Stringybark is identified by its reddish brown coloration, dense structure, and moderately interlocked grain. The wood often displays subtle ribbon figure on quartersawn surfaces and develops a smooth finish despite its hardness.
Compared to lighter eucalyptus species, Red Stringybark typically appears darker, denser, and more structurally robust.
Key identification traits include:
- Reddish brown coloration
- Dense and heavy feel
- Interlocked grain structure
- Medium uniform texture
- Moderate ribbon figure
- Strong natural durability
- Smooth finished appearance
- Moderate natural luster
Working Properties
Red Stringybark is considered moderately difficult to work due to its density and interlocked grain, though it performs reliably in structural and utility woodworking applications.
- Machines moderately difficult
- Interlocked grain may produce tear-out
- Good wear resistance
- Strong nail and screw holding strength
- Moderate dimensional stability
- Accepts finishes effectively
- Turns reasonably well with proper tooling
- Reliable durability for exterior applications
Safety Note
Wood dust from Red Stringybark may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during woodworking operations.
Common Uses
Red Stringybark common uses including:
- Construction timber
- Flooring
- Fencing
- Exterior joinery
- Utility poles
- Furniture
- Railroad ties
- Firewood
- General utility woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
Red Stringybark remains widespread throughout southeastern Australia and is harvested under regulated forestry management systems.
The species is particularly valued for its combination of durability, density, and adaptability to drier Australian forest regions. Historically, it has also been an important source of fuelwood and charcoal due to its density and burning qualities.
Commercially, the timber continues to be used in both structural and appearance-grade applications.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Grey Ironbark – A significantly heavier Australian eucalyptus species known for extreme hardness and engineering applications.
Red Mahogany – Another reddish Australian hardwood valued for durability and structural use.
Yellow Stringybark – A related Australian eucalyptus species recognized for utility timber and construction applications.
Related Guides
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Identifying Unknown Wood Samples
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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
Red Stringybark samples are valued for their dense structure and representation of Australia’s dry-forest eucalyptus species. Well-prepared samples often display subtle ribbon figure and rich reddish brown coloration.
The species is especially useful within eucalyptus collections because it bridges the gap between lighter utility eucalyptus woods and the extremely dense Ironbark species.
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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.
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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
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
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