'KAJIMBOURRA' SMOOTH-BARKED APPLE GUM (Angophora costata) Seeds

Smooth-barked apple gum, scientifically known as Angophora costata, is an Australian tree species that grows up to 30 m tall. Its bark is easily recognizable, starting off with a pinkish or orange-brown color and eventually turning grey as it ages. This beautiful and unique tree is endemic to the eastern part of Australia.

The tree has a handsome, rugged ornamental appearance and its young red tips are often used in floral arrangements. Angophora costata was given the common name of Sydney red gum because its gooey sap or gum is bright red, It was this tree and its gum that inspired Sir Joseph Banks to call this large group of trees, including the eucalypts, gum trees.

Bush Food & Medicine: The tree is a valuable resource for the Darug Peoples of Sydney. The distinctive bulges on the trunk can be removed and carved into bowls, while the tree's gums adhesive properties, known as "yarra" in the Darug language, make it useful for medicinal purposes such as treating toothaches, sores, cuts, and insect bites, or as a sweet lolly. 

The red bark exudate of Angophora costata was also dissolved in warm water, and when cooled, the liquid was taken to relieve severe diarrhoea.