Marri

~ Corymbia calophylla ~

MYRTACEAE

The Marri was formally classified as a Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus calophylla) but was changed to a new genus called Corymbia in the 1990s – on a quiet night, if you listen closely, you can still hear botanists arguing over whether this distinction is valid. When these beautiful trees ooze their red gum (or kino resin) from their brown to grey tessellated bark, it resembles a fresh bloody wound. The tree has extensive uses and cultural significance for the Noongar People of south-west Western Australia, who have many names for this tree, one of which is Marri – meaning ‘blood’. The fruit of the tree is an important food source for the Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii), a gorgeous bird (featured in the illustration) endemic to a small region in Noongar Country.

WHERE TO LOOK

The Marri is typically found in the southern part of Western Australian in the company of Eucalypts such as Jarrah, Karri and Mallee. It can be found in many different soil types from the coast of Albany up to the Swan Coastal Plain, around Perth and up to Geraldton.

FEATURES

The Marri tree can grow 40–60m tall with its trunk reaching widths of up to 2m. In poorer sites it will grow into a 5m Mallee (multi-stemmed tree) with glossy green leaves 7–19cm long and classically Eucalypt in shape. Its creamy flowers burst open from delicate buds and are filled with sweet nectar, making them very attractive for bees, wasps and honeyeaters. Its large seeds, contained in a woody nut 1–5cm in size, are a food source for many cockatoos and parrots. The fruit or nuts (commonly called Honky Nuts) start out as green, then age to brown, and can stay on the tree for up to a year if not chewed down by hungry birds.

FLOWERING SEASON

Summer → Flowers form December and January, sometimes through to May, followed by fruit.

TRADITIONAL USES

Utilised by the Noongar People, the seeds and gum of the Marri are edible (see Noongar Bush Tucker for more). Many species of the Myrtle family are known to have medicinal properties. The oil contained in the leaves is used to relieve symptoms of colds and flu; leaves are crushed or used in steam pits to clear the head.

PLANTING

This big tree is better for larger properties than for small suburban blocks. It germinates well from its seeds if they are sown around 1–2mm down rather than buried deep, with optimal plantingtime temperature being 18–22°C. It grows well in most soil types and appreciates a good watering while establishing.