Corymbia xanthope is a tree that typically grows to a height of 12 m (39 ft) and forms a lignotuber.

[1][3][4][5][6] Glen Geddes bloodwood was first formally described in 1989 by Anthony Bean and Ian Brooker and given the name Eucalyptus xanthope.

The description was published in the journal Austrobaileya from specimens collected by Bean near the Glen Geddes siding (about 50 km (31 mi) south of Marlborough) in 1988.

[6][8] Corymbia xanthope grows in woodland communities with Eucalyptus fibrosa on ridges or slopes with sandy soils.

The main threats to the species are destruction of trees and habitat disturbance caused by mining activities.