Ironbark facts for kids

E. crebra showing the deep furrows in the bark

Ironbark is a common name of a number of species within the genus Eucalyptus that have dark, deeply furrowed bark.

Many eucalypts shed their bark very year, but on an Ironbark the dead bark stays on the trees, forming the furrows. It becomes rough after drying out and becomes full of kino, a dark red tree sap exuded by the tree. The bark is resistant to fire and heat and protects the living tissue within the trunk and branches from fire. In cases of extreme fire, where leaves and shoots are removed, the bark protects the epicormic buds which allow the tree to reshoot.

Examples of Ironbark species

• Eucalyptus crebra, narrow-leaved ironbark or narrow-leaved red ironbark
• Eucalyptus fibrosa, broad-leaved red ironbark
• Eucalyptus melanophloia, silver-leaved ironbark
• Eucalyptus paniculata, grey ironbark
• Eucalyptus siderophloia, Northern Grey Ironbark
• Eucalyptus sideroxylon, red ironbark or Mugga
• Eucalyptus placita, Grey Ironbark
• Eucalyptus staigeriana, lemon ironbark
• Eucalyptus tricarpa, red ironbark.

See also

In Spanish: Corteza de hierro para niños