Red iron bark

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Red iron bark Eucalyptus sideroxylon

Description

An evergreen eucalyptus tree, Eucalyptus sideroxylon, grown commercially in Morocco. Red iron bark, or mugga, trees contain 30-45% Tannin. When used for tanning, it produces a soft, dark, red color Leather. It is usually mixed with other tannins. See Eucalyptus.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Eucalyptus sideroxylon; red ironbark; mugga

Physical and Chemical Properties

  • A medium tree growing to 30 m with slender, sometimes drooping branches.
  • Bark=hard, dark red with deep ridges and furrows.
  • Leaves = dull green leathery with bluish underside, simple narrow and ovate (4-8 inches long)

Resources and Citations

  • Matt Roberts, Don Etherington, Bookbinding and the Conservation of Books: a Dictionary of Descriptive Terminology, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 1982
  • Virginia Tech Dendrology website at www.fw.vt.edu/dendro/dendrology/main.htm (Accessed Dec. 9, 2005)