The natural world showers humanity with endless marvels, presenting us with a multitude of extraordinary occurrences. Among these, undoubtedly the most astounding one never fails to leave individuals completely spellbound: the tree that oozes a crimson sap akin to blood when its trunk is severed.
Upon initial observation, Corymbia opaca bears a resemblance to numerous other botanical specimens. However, an intriguing distinction surfaces when these plants undergo a precise incision, revealing their unique nature. Remarkably, this species exhibits a chilling phenomenon as dark red liquid streams, resembling blood, emerge from the wounded area, evoking an eerie spectacle.
While they may seem similar to other varieties at first glance, when a line is incised on the stem, streams of viscous dark red fluid emerge from the desert blood plant. This unique “blood” bears no resemblance to water as it possesses a thick and adhesive quality akin to glue. These crimson streams trickle down the trunk, rapidly drying and adhering to its surface.
Corymbia opaca, besides being famous for its peculiar “blood,” boasts a multitude of remarkable applications. Recent research reveals that indigenous Australians often gather the tree sap, which harbors a substantial amount of tannin, a medicinal compound. This sap is then utilized to create remedies capable of treating diverse ailments, including the common cold. While harmless to human health, the sight of this crimson sap may have elicited uneasy reactions in many individuals.
