Science & Nature • Tree

Rainbow Eucalyptus

The rainbow eucalyptus (*Eucalyptus deglupta*) is a tall evergreen tree known for its multicoloured trunk, which develops as bark peels away to reveal layers of differently coloured inner bark.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The rainbow eucalyptus (*Eucalyptus deglupta*) is a tall evergreen tree known for its multicoloured trunk, which develops as bark peels away to reveal layers of differently coloured inner bark. It is native to humid tropical forests in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, and is the only eucalyptus species that grows naturally in the Northern Hemisphere.

Description

Rainbow eucalyptus is a very large, fast-growing evergreen tree with smooth bark that peels in strips. The exposed bark changes colour over time, creating streaks of green, blue, purple, orange, red, and brown.

Distribution and habitat

The species is native to humid tropical forests in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Sources note that it grows from near sea level to higher elevations in warm, wet rainforest environments.

Uses

Outside its native range, the tree is planted as an ornamental species because of its distinctive trunk colours. It is also cultivated for pulpwood, especially in parts of the Philippines.

Biology and bark colouration

The colour pattern is caused by the regular shedding of outer bark, which exposes fresh inner bark that darkens with age and air exposure. This process produces the tree’s signature multicoloured trunk.

Key facts

The tree’s colourful appearance comes from bark shedding and the exposure of inner bark at different stages of weathering.
It is native to lowland and montane tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia and the Pacific region.
It is the only eucalyptus species that naturally occurs in the Northern Hemisphere.
The species is also grown as an ornamental tree in warm climates outside its native range.
It is used commercially for pulpwood in some regions.

🍁

Canadian context

Rainbow eucalyptus is mainly of horticultural and botanical interest to Canadian readers, especially as a tropical ornamental species discussed in plant collections, conservatories, and climate-limited cultivation contexts.

Frequently asked questions

What is a rainbow eucalyptus?

A rainbow eucalyptus is a tropical tree species (*Eucalyptus deglupta*) known for its multicoloured bark and large evergreen form.

Why is it called rainbow eucalyptus?

Its bark peels away in strips, revealing inner bark that changes colour over time, creating a rainbow-like trunk pattern.

Where does rainbow eucalyptus grow naturally?

It grows naturally in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea in humid tropical rainforest habitats.

Is rainbow eucalyptus native to Australia?

No. Unlike most eucalyptus species, it is native outside Australia and is the only eucalyptus that naturally occurs in the Northern Hemisphere.

How tall can rainbow eucalyptus grow?

Sources describe it as a very large tree, commonly reaching about 60–75 metres and sometimes higher in native habitats.

References

One Earth — https://www.oneearth.org/species-of-the-week-rainbow-eucalyptus/
Supports: Common names, native range, habitat, height, and bark description
Missouri Botanical Garden — https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282890
Supports: Scientific name, common names, growth form, native range, and Northern Hemisphere distribution
Science Focus — https://www.sciencefocus.com/nature/rainbow-tree
Supports: Explanation of bark shedding and colour changes, native range, and commercial use
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucalyptus_deglupta
Supports: Scientific name, native range, and note that it is the only eucalyptus species naturally found in the Northern Hemisphere