Corymbia torelliana aka Myrtle

Corymbia torelliana, known as cadaga, is an evergreen tree. It belongs to the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Its native range lies in eastern Queensland, Australia. It grows on coastal slopes near tropical rainforest. It also grows along rainforest edges and in wet forest. These sites have soils that drain well. Its home climate has wet summers and a short dry season.

Cadaga grows fast and forms a dense, uneven crown. It serves as a shade tree in gardens and landscapes. Reported heights are around 75–82 feet [23–25 metres]. The broader height range reaches 98 feet [30 metres]. Its trunk is often straight, with a long clear section. Large trees may form buttresses near the ground. Trunks can reach about 3.3 feet [1 metre] across. The lower bark is grey and retains patches of scales. Above this, the bark is smooth and grey-green. Young twigs are thin and reddish.

The leaves are simple, firm, and often egg-shaped. They reach about 0.6 feet [0.18 metres] in length. Their edges have waves rather than a flat outline. Leaves may look green or show a pink tint. Young leaves often have fine hairs on their surface. Most leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. Young branches may carry pairs of leaves instead. The tree bears large clusters of cream-white flowers. In Australia, flowers appear in October. Bees and other insects pollinate them. The large, near-round fruits ripen there in January and February.

Cadaga needs a sunny site and suits warm tropical climates. Its native sites receive rain mainly during the hot season. The dry season can last up to three months. Dormant trees may survive temperatures near −2°C. New growth can suffer severe harm at −1°C. The RHS lists eucalyptus gall wasp and eucalyptus sucker as possible pests. It also lists silver leaf and oedema as possible problems. Seed propagation takes place in spring or summer at 13–18°C.

Growers plant cadaga for timber and to restore forest cover. Its hard, strong wood lasts well away from soil contact. Builders use it for construction, vehicle bodies, and bridge decks. Gum veins can affect the wood. The leaves yield small amounts of essential oil. Useful Tropical Plants flags a risk of weediness. That source lists no known food or medicinal uses. It reports no known hazards, but this does not establish safety for eating.