Gumnuts and Bellgums: small treasures of the eucalyptus tree
Some natural materials already have a special story of their own. This is certainly true for gumnuts and bellgums: the woody seed pods of eucalyptus species.
You'll find them in our wreaths, spheres, and other natural decorations. They add structure, depth, and character to our creations.
What are gumnuts?
Gumnuts are the dried fruit capsules of the eucalyptus tree. The name sounds like nuts, but botanically speaking, they are not true nuts. They are sturdy, woody seed pods that once contained the tree's seeds.
As they ripen, they slowly dry out. Small openings appear at the top, allowing the seeds to be released. These openings often create beautiful natural shapes: sometimes round, sometimes star-shaped, sometimes a bit whimsical.
No two gumnuts are exactly alike. This is precisely what makes them so beautiful to work with.
And what are Bellgums?
Bellgums are also eucalyptus seed pods, but with a more bell- or cup-shaped appearance. They are often larger and more open in shape than the smaller gumnuts.
When dried, they acquire a serene, matte appearance with natural hues like sand, grey-green, brown, and warm natural tones. This makes them well-suited for decorations with a soft, botanical ambiance.
In the trade, names like gumnuts, bellgums, and eucalyptus bells are sometimes used interchangeably. Therefore, we prefer to describe them simply and clearly: natural eucalyptus seed pods, each with its own shape and character.
Where do they come from?
Eucalyptus is strongly associated with Australia. These trees are an integral part of many Australian landscapes. Some species grow into impressive trees with tall trunks, fragrant leaves, and sturdy woody fruits.
Many eucalyptus materials originally come from Australia, but eucalyptus is also cultivated in other parts of the world. The exact species and origin can therefore vary per batch. For us, the natural quality is paramount: the shape, color, structure, and appearance of the material.
How are they harvested?
Gumnuts and bellgums are usually collected when the seed pods are ripe or already dried. Sometimes they come from the branch, sometimes they are collected after they have fallen naturally. Afterwards, they are further dried, sorted, and cleaned.
When creating our decorations, we assess each piece to determine where the material best fits. A dark gumnut can add depth. An open bellgum can create a beautiful accent. In this way, every natural detail finds its own place.
Why we love to use them
Gumnuts and bellgums are tough and refined at the same time. They are not perfectly smooth or sleek, but that's precisely what makes them feel real. Their rough texture, natural color variations, and unique shapes bring more life to a decoration.
They combine beautifully with moss, shells, dried fruits, and other botanical materials. Together, they create a warm, natural ambiance.
For us, gumnuts and bellgums are small treasures from nature. Modest in size, but grand in atmosphere.