If you are looking for a small feature gum tree in your garden which will offer both a food source and habitat for native fauna, look no further. Corymbia eximia ‘Nana’ is a striking, dwarf form of the Yellow Bloodwood. The gnarly mottled wood and crooked trunk of the dwarf version of Corymbia exima or Yellow Bloodwood makes this a great compact tree for gardens with limited space or as street trees, bringing the allure of native Australian trees without dominating the landscape.

The name ‘exima’ is Latin meaning uncommon or outstanding (exceptional / extraordinary) and refers to the showy flowers of the tree. The common name, Yellow Bloodwood, refers to the wood and flower colour but also to the blood red sap that often exudes from the wood.

Corymbia exima ‘Nana’ is perfect to provide dappled shade because of its compact rounded growth habit with a slightly open canopy. This creates the ideal situation for shade-loving plants which don’t mind the dry, another opportunity for more natives in your garden.

Pictured above as a street tree it is a focal point in the landscape without dominating it, the tree on the far right is the Nana and the tree on the left is the straight species full size. The large clusters of creamy-white flowers, appearing in spring, contrast against the light-green to bluish-green mature foliage, making this a dramatic feature.

The foliage is broad with a strong green colour and may turn a paler yellow/green in the colder months.

The flowers of Corymbia eximia attracts our only endemic Flying Fox, the grey-headed flying fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) From seeing this tree flower I have seen that nectar loving birds, bees and insects are highly attracted to the abundance of flowers.

Corymbia exmia nana suits dry conditions once established and will tolerate most soils in a full sun to part shade position.

Growing to a height of 8mts, although in the image above this specimen is only around 5-6m which means it would sit happily underneath power lines. It has a relatively tidy appearance, and sheds very little debris (bark, leaves or fruits.) If you are looking for a tree that ticks all the boxes and are restricted on space, this one should be high on your list. I would also love to see more of these as small street trees.