The tree typically grows to a height of 15 metres (49 ft) with tessellated, red-brown, dull, grey or pink bark that is persistent on the trunk and lower branches.

The bark sheds in small polygonal flakes[5] giving the tree a mottled appearance.

[5][8][9] In 1995, botanists Ken Hill and Lawrie Johnson defined the genus Corymbia, identifying the bloodwoods, ghost gums and spotted gums as a group distinct from Eucalyptus and they changed the name Eucalyptus erythrophloia to Corymbia erythrophloia.

[12] It is found on grassy woodlands or low rolling hills containing clayey or stony soils mostly of volcanic origin.

[13] This eucalypt is classified as of "least concern" under the Queensland Government Nature Conservation Act 1992.