General Description/History

Gum nuts are usually supplied as a dried product, but can also be found as fresh, usually in autumn/winter. Most commonly available species are C. ficifolia and E. tetragona. Ficifolia nuts are large (3 to 4 cm) long, rounded and closely resemble the classic bell shaped gum nut. Tetragona nuts are smaller, silvery-grey in colour and are borne at the branch tips. Bunches usually contain foliage as well as nuts. E. pterocarpa nuts are colourful green and gold nuts with a pink tinge, very ridged sides and a pointed cap. E. forrestiana nuts, or Fuschia gum, are red and green in colour, elongated and flattened with a pointed tip, much like fuschia flowers.

Available:
Dried: All year Fresh: January to April

What to look for

• Undamaged leaves
• Avoid wilted branch tips

Flower Care

1. Keep cool! Never place in full sun
2. Break bunches apart
3. Strip leaves from the bottom half of each stem
4. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem and place in cold water
5. Do not smash or split stem ends
6. Use a preservative as this will keep leaves looking fresh
7. Replace vase water with fresh preservative every day
8. Never place preserved or dried foliage back in water

Botanical Name: A range of species, usually E. tetragona, Corymbia ficifolia, E. pterocarpa, E. forrestiana

Common Names: Gum nuts

Stem Length: 30 to 70 cm

Country of Origin: Australia

Available Colours: Green, Pink, Red, Yellow

Season: Summer,Autumn,Winter,Spring

Availability: January,February,March,April,May,June,July,August,September,October,November,Decemeber