Eukalyptus

Industrial Crop: Hydrocarbon Industrial Crop: Medicinal Management: Coppice Management: Standard Minor Global Crop Other Systems: SRC Landscape Uses:Aggressive surface roots possible, Specimen. Prefers a sunny position in a moderately fertile well-drained moisture retentive circum-neutral soil. Succeeds in most soils, tolerating poor and dry soils, especially those low in mineral elements. Established plants are drought tolerant. Plants should not be grown in frost pockets or windy sites. Requires a sheltered position, disliking cold, dry or desiccating winds. Plants are reported to tolerate an annual precipitation of 80 to 160cm and an annual temperature range of ca 16 to 20°C. This species is not very hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c and often succumbing to heavy frosts. There is a tree 35 metres tall on the Isle of Man, there are several taller trees in S. Ireland and a tree on the Isle of Wight was 20 metres tall when it was 9 years old from seed. Eucalyptus species have not adopted a deciduous habit and continue to grow until it is too cold for them to do so. This makes them more susceptible to damage from sudden cold snaps. If temperature fluctuations are more gradual, as in a woodland for example, the plants have the opportunity to stop growing and become dormant, thus making them more cold resistant. A deep mulch around the roots to prevent the soil from freezing also helps the trees to survive cold conditions. The members of this genus are remarkably adaptable however, there can be a dramatic increase in the hardiness of subsequent generations from the seed of survivors growing in temperate zones. The Tasmanian blue gum is the most extensively planted eucalypt species in the world with a total of 800,000 ha in dozens of countries. This species is commonly planted in S. Europe, especially in Italy, Spain and Portugal, for timber, soil stabilization and the essential oil in its leaves. Trees have also been planted in marshy areas where they have the ability to reduce the wetness of the land (because they transpire so much water) thus getting rid of mosquitoes that were breeding there. Eucalyptus monocultures are an environmental disaster, they are voracious, allelopathic and encourage the worst possible attitudes to land use and conservation. A very fast growing tree, new growth can be up to 2.5 metres per year. Trees are gross feeders and can severely stunt the growth of nearby plants. Trees are very amenable to coppicing. Plants are shallow-rooting and, especially in windy areas, should be planted out into their permanent positions when small to ensure that they do not suffer from wind-rock. They strongly resent root disturbance and should be container grown before planting out into their permanent position. The flowers are rich in nectar and are a good bee crop. The bruised leaves emit a powerful balsamic smell. This species is the national emblem of Tasmania. Special Features:Fragrant foliage, Not North American native, Invasive, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Condiment An essential oil from the fresh or dried leaves is used as a flavouring in sweets, baked goods, ice cream etc.

Cleanser Deodorant Dye Essential Fuel Repellent Wood The leaves and the essential oil in them are used as an insect repellent. The trees can also be planted in wet areas where mosquitoes abound. The ground will be dried out by the trees, making it unsuitable for the mosquitoes to breed. A decoction of the leaves is used for repelling insects and vermin. Africans use finely powdered bark as an insect dust. An essential oil is obtained from the leaves. It is used in perfumery and in medicines. The yield is about 0.9% by steam distillation. The essential oil is also in spot removers for cleaning off oil and grease. Yields of 40 to 45 kilos of oil per hectare have been reported. A yellow/brown dye is obtained from the young leaves. It does not require a mordant. Grey and green dyes are obtained from the young shoots. A dark green dye is obtained from the young bark. Wood - heavy, (or light according to another report), durable, fire resistant. An important timber species, it is used for various purposes such as carpentry, construction, fences, piles, platforms, plywood, poles, sheds, tool handles and veneer. The oil-rich wood is resistant to termites. This is one of the best eucalypts for pulp production for making paper.

Heimisch: Antofagasta Region, BR, Global, Jardin Botánico de Bogotá, Jardín Botánico de Bogotá, Manizales | Pasto, North America, Oceania, Parque Nacional Enrique Olaya Herrera Etapa ll, Parque Nacional Natural Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Tasmania, Victoria, Área urbana de Bogotá, D.C. Jardín Botánico José Celestino Mutis – Sede central Eingeführt: AL, AR, Albania, Archipielago Juan Fernández, Assam, Azores, BI, BO, Baleares, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bogotá, Bogotá, D.C., Bolivia, CL, CO, California, Cambodia, Canary Is., Caroline Is., China South-Central, China Southeast, Costa Rica, East Aegean Is., East Africa, Easter Is., Ecuador, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, Galápagos Islands, Great Britain, Guatemala, Hawaii, India, Ireland, Italy, Juan Fernandez Islands, Juan Fernández Is., Kenya, Leeward Is., Madeira, Medialuna del sur de Bogotá D.C.: Ciudad Bolívar, Usme, San Cristóbal, Tunjuelito, Kennedy, Rafael Uribe Uribe y Bosa., Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Morocco, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Pakistan, Panamá, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Rwanda, Sicilia, Spain, St.Helena, Tanzania, Transcaucasus, Uganda, Windward Is., Zimbabwe