EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Leda in the Park

Leda (Eucalyptus deglupta), Family Myrtaceae
Jakarta, Java, Indonesia

Explanation:  At least locally known as leda is this utterly striking species of eucalyptus tree.

We are in a city park known as Tebet Eco Park, here in Jakarta on the island of Java in the country of Indonesia.  Encountering this tree specimen was a tad unexpected but wonderful.  

Leda is also known as rainbow eucalyptus.  Or rainbow gum.  Or Mindanao gum.  Or other names.  
But by any name, it is a striking example of diversity among species within a genus (in this case, Eucalyptus).  

This species apparently is the only one of its genus that is indigenous to the northern hemisphere, native to Indonesia, Philippines, and Papua New Guinea, and is introduced elsewhere.  

Its colors result from its bark peeling, revealing green bark beneath that undergoes various color changes over time.  This is also the only species of its genus that does not produce eucalyptus oil.