NT Eucalypts Changing Names
Eucalypts are an iconic part of the Australian landscape, from the instantly recognisable Ghost Gums of Central Australia to the ubiquitous Stringybarks and orange-flowered Woolybutts of the Top End. There are currently over 800 recognised species of eucalypt in Australia – give or take about 50!
Although collectively considered as ‘eucalypts’ the group is currently classified as three separate genera; the Bloodwoods (Corymbia) with approximately 113 species, the Apple Gums of southern Australia (Angophora) with 13 species and the largest genus Eucalyptus with over 700 currently described species.
Recent advances in molecular phylogenetics – the use of DNA data to investigate the evolutionary relationships between organisms – has clarified the relationships within and between these three genera. Analysis of these data indicates that the Bloodwoods are comprised of a number of distinct lineages with the Paper-fruited Bloodwoods being distinct enough to warrant recognition as their own genus - Blakella.
After much consideration and consultation with colleague’s interstate, the NT Herbarium have determined that the new genus Blakella will apply for the classification of Paper-fruited Bloodwoods in the Northern Territory. This will see 14 of the 52 currently recognised Bloodwoods in the Territory change their generic name from Corymbia to Blakella to align with other major herbaria around the country.
These Paper-fruited Bloodwoods typically have striking white powdery bark on at least their upper trunks with some having pronounced ‘stockings’ of rough, often black bark restricted to their lower trunks. Their fruit are typically smaller and ‘thinner’ textured than other Bloodwoods and are readily crushed between the fingers when squeezed. They differ from the true Bloodwoods in the NT which typically have thick, rough bark over most or all their trunks and lower branches and hard ‘woody’ fruit. There is also a technical difference in the structure of the flower buds in the two genera with those of Blakella bearing a prominent ring-like ‘scar’ on their outer surface just before the cap (or operculum) is shed and the bud flowers. This ‘scar’ is absent in Corymbia.
Luckily, the species names (the second part of a latin/scientific name) will remain unchanged, so the Central Australian Ghost Gum Corymbia aparrerinja for example will become Blakella aparrerinja and the Rough-leaved Cabbage Gum Corymbia confertiflora will become Blakella confertiflora.
Although we have not implemented the changes yet, we expect this process to start over the coming months and be complete by about the middle of the year. These changes will progressively flow through to our online data system, NT Flora, when they occur. We will keep everyone in the loop as these changes progress and for those interested in the process and the debate we have provided some links below for further information – happy reading!
Crisp et al. 2024 proposing the genus Blakella.
Nicolle et al. proposal to create the Eucalyptus super-genus.
