April 6th, 2023Australia’s 2023 Eucalypt of the Year is Angophora costata: Sydney Red Gum

Australia’s favourite eucalypt for 2023 has been chosen on the tenth anniversary of National Eucalypt Day. For the sixth consecutive year, thousands of gumnuts cast their vote throughout last month. With competition even closer than previous years, the 2023 Eucalypt of the Year is revealed to be Angophora costata: Sydney Red Gum.

“Many Australians will instantly recognise the winner of this year’s Gum Gong: the stunning Angophora costata, or Sydney Red Gum,” says Linda Baird, Eucalypt Australia CEO.

“Angophora costata is an absolute stunner with its profusion of showy white flowers, evocative red, orange and salmon hues that capture the changing light and outstretched, contorted limbs. These limbs appear to be welcoming you with open arms. It is known by the Dharawal people of the Sydney region as ​​kajimbourra.

The Sydney Red Gum’s presence is synonymous with greater Sydney’s coastal sandstone landscape, as well as stretching inland to the Blue Mountains, further south to the NSW South Coast and further north to Coffs Harbour. Another common name for Angophora costata includes Smooth-barked Apple. It typically flowers from October to January.

“This year’s favourites are amongst our most widely recognised and commonly planted species. They are part of the Australian psyche, with many planted in suburban parklands and streets in the 70s and 80s. They evoke strong memories of childhood summers and days past.

“In second place is the Lemon-scented Gum: Corymbia citriodora native to Queensland. I’ve been awestruck by its beautiful scent while cycling around Melbourne over the last few weeks.

“In third place is the Red-flowering Gum: Corymbia ficifolia native to the Albany region of WA. It placed second last year after a battle for recognition from the passionate online Ficifolia fan club. Both firm favourites, we are already excited to see if one of these two wins next year,” says Linda