Wood Species Guide
Rainbow Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus deglupta
Also called: Mindanao Gum, Deglupta, Rainbow Gum, Kamarere
What Rainbow Eucalyptus looks like
The famous rainbow colors are in the peeling bark, not the wood. The heartwood is a plain pinkish to light reddish brown, and the sapwood is paler.
Grain and texture
Grain is strongly interlocked, with a medium to coarse texture and a bit of ribbon figure on quartersawn faces.
Working Rainbow Eucalyptus: planing, cutting and gluing
Light and easy to cut, but the interlocked grain tears out, especially on quartersawn boards, so finish with a sander or a fresh, sharp cutter. It glues and finishes well.
Finishing Rainbow Eucalyptus: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes oil, stain and film finishes well. Seal the open grain before an epoxy pour. The pinkish tone warms toward light brown with light.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Not durable against rot and readily attacked by insects. Keep it indoors in Florida, dry and finished, and never use it outside.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
People search for rainbow eucalyptus because of the bark, so set expectations: the wood itself is a plain, light pinkish brown. It is mostly pulpwood and veneer, with some furniture and trim lumber. The tree is grown as an ornamental in South Florida, but the wood rarely comes to market. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Rainbow Eucalyptus
Pulp and paper, veneer, plywood, furniture, millwork and light construction.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List. Much of the supply is plantation grown.
Safety and toxicity
- No common reactions reported
Few reports. Nothing beyond normal dust irritation is documented.
- In the shop
- Normal dust collection + mask when sanding
- Food contact
- Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
No reactions are reported beyond normal wood dust irritation. Use dust collection and a mask.
Rainbow Eucalyptus in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Rainbow Eucalyptus listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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