Rainbow Eucalyptus
While this is probably exactly how I would have chosen to paint a tree when I was growing up in the 80’s (I loved bright colors as a little kid, though this preference burnt out so completely that I haven’t needed to do a load of white/bright laundry in over 20 years!), what you’re looking at is a phenomenon of nature.
The inner bark is bright green, and with peeling, air exposure and time, the other brilliant colors emerge.
These trees can grow up to six feet wide and over 200 feet tall. Currently it is grown widely around the world in tree plantations, mainly for pulpwood used in making paper.
First spotted on the amazing Real Monstrosities.
SheWalksSoftly 
November 8, 2014 at 8:56 pm
Want!
I already have several eucalyptus trees in my garden, all chosen (at least in part) for the beauty of their bark – but not one of mine is quite as squee-worthy as this. Slightly concerned about its eventual height though; 200 feet might have my neighbours descending on it – and me – with chainsaws (the spoilsports!) -Nx
November 8, 2014 at 10:17 pm
Looks like the band Rubella Ballet got to them.
November 8, 2014 at 11:32 pm
Always wanted a Rainbow Eucalyptus tree. They need a lot water so my front brook and natural spring underground would supply plenty of that, but it’s the freezing winters that ruin any chance. Would love to attempt a Bonsia RE, like a yard tall version maybe. Although I didn’t see any at the recent National Bonsia Exhibition in Rochester,NY, so I’m thinking if professionals aren’t attempting a REB, it may need not be easily feasible or possible at all.
Neta,
If your reading this good luck with your Eucalyptus trees. Hope you don’t have to resort to felling them. Ironically Friday I had to do just that with another humongous Pine tree of mine that was leaning way to far into the house. Thankfully I have a professional arborist buddy who cuts me deals. It broke my heart to watch it steadily get chopped apart, you know. Also so sad because the squirrels and birds loved that particular tree due to the crazy amount of branches. Only good thing is I now get peace of mind it wont crush my place, the den/office gets a bit more light, and the surrounding oaks and maples can properly grow and prosper.
November 9, 2014 at 3:41 pm
Ah, sorry to hear about your venerable old pine tree KEric – the loss of a beautiful tree is always such a stab in the heart, specially when it’s home to lots of wildlife. I’m hopeful that my eucalyptuses won’t cause too many problems as they were chosen (also in part) for their uncharacteristically slow growing habit (at over 10 years old, the biggest is still less than 15 feet high) and if necessary – the nursery assured me – they can be cut back hard even as adult trees, to form multi-stemmed bushes (though that would obviously be a last resort, as I love their patterned trunks).
I too had wondered about bonsai-ing a RE, but though there are lots of folk discussing it on the internet, they all seem to be asking if it’s possible, rather than saying they’ve actually managed it! My track record with bonsai-ing fast-growing trees isn’t great (my ‘bonsai’ Horse Chestnut is currently – ahem – five feet tall) so regretfully I might have to give the RE a miss 😉 -Nx
November 10, 2014 at 1:03 am
I knew you could sympathize. Other people just roll their eyes at me like Argus Filch did to Hagrid. Yep, I am aware I spelt Bonsai wrong (head low in shame). You know, Neta, you can groom your E-trees as if they’re simply very large Bonsai; this way they’ll never get taller than the height you prefer, or should I say a height your anal neighbors won’t breathe down your neck about. My nearest neighbors are 3 acres away in all directions so I’m lucky there (Phew). Also, your Horse Chestnut still in my experience qualifies to be a Bonsai, though 5 foot is stretching it. Don’t give up on it. Bend and manipulate it width and girth wise. Graham Potter to me is one of the best teachers. Check ’em out. http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPb-Tj0QB5fz-oSPYDva9tQ
November 9, 2014 at 1:01 am
Ha! Yeah, these are truly enchanting trees. It’d be amazing to visit a forest of them and a hold a fancy-dress tea party!
November 9, 2014 at 8:18 pm
I so want an invite to that tea party! 🙂 -Nx
November 10, 2014 at 1:58 am
Oh my god…a party amidst these trees would be magical!