EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS
Eucalyptus globulus, known also as Tasmanian bluegum, southern blue-gum or blue gum, is an evergreen tree, one of the most widely cultivated trees native to Australia. They typically grow from 30–55 m (98–180 ft) tall. The tree is also grown in many parts of Kenya (refer table1)
The species name is from the Latin globulus, a little button, referring to the shape of the operculum.
Description
The bark sheds often, peeling in large strips. The broad juvenile leaves are borne in opposite pairs on square stems. They are about 6 to 15 cm long and covered with a blue-grey, waxy bloom, which is the origin of the common name "blue gum". The mature leaves are narrow, sickle-shaped and dark shining green. They are arranged alternately on rounded stems and range from 15–35 cm (5.9–13.8 in) in length. The buds are top-shaped, ribbed and warty and have a flattened operculum (cap on the flower bud) bearing a central knob. The cream-coloured flowers are borne singly in the leaf axils and produce copious nectar that yields a strongly flavoured honey. The fruits are woody and range from 1.5–2.5 cm (0.59–0.98 in) in diameter. Numerous small seeds are shed through valves (numbering between 3 and 6 per fruit) which open on the top of the fruit. It produces roots throughout the soil profile, rooting several feet deep in some soils.
Cultivation details and Uses
Landscape Uses:
Aggressive surface roots possible, Specimen. Prefers a sunny position in a moderately fertile well-drained moisture retentive circum-neutral soil, The tree species does well 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.
E. Globlus 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. 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 Kenya inclusive.
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 meters 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.
The tree is popular in cultivation, particularly for its attractive, blue-grey (glaucous) juvenile foliage and fast growth. However, it is really too large for normal-sized surburban blocks and it has a strong and vigorous root system which can cause damage to buildings and underground pipes if the plant is not properly located. The leaves fruits and branches all have a strong 'eucalypt' fragrance and can be used as a 'pot pourri' in cupboards and drawers.
E.globulus has an open textured wood with distinct growth rings. The timber is strong and durable and has been used for a variety of purposes including railway sleepers, piles, paper making, oil and honey. The tree coppices well and has been used for fuel. The volatile oil content is relatively low but that hasn't prevented substantial oil harvesting from the species. The oil is pale yellow in colour and is used in perfumery and in soap making.
Eucalyptus globulus, known also as Tasmanian bluegum, southern blue-gum or blue gum, is an evergreen tree, one of the most widely cultivated trees native to Australia. They typically grow from 30–55 m (98–180 ft) tall. The tree is also grown in many parts of Kenya (refer table1)
The species name is from the Latin globulus, a little button, referring to the shape of the operculum.
Description
The bark sheds often, peeling in large strips. The broad juvenile leaves are borne in opposite pairs on square stems. They are about 6 to 15 cm long and covered with a blue-grey, waxy bloom, which is the origin of the common name "blue gum". The mature leaves are narrow, sickle-shaped and dark shining green. They are arranged alternately on rounded stems and range from 15–35 cm (5.9–13.8 in) in length. The buds are top-shaped, ribbed and warty and have a flattened operculum (cap on the flower bud) bearing a central knob. The cream-coloured flowers are borne singly in the leaf axils and produce copious nectar that yields a strongly flavoured honey. The fruits are woody and range from 1.5–2.5 cm (0.59–0.98 in) in diameter. Numerous small seeds are shed through valves (numbering between 3 and 6 per fruit) which open on the top of the fruit. It produces roots throughout the soil profile, rooting several feet deep in some soils.
Cultivation details and Uses
Landscape Uses:
Aggressive surface roots possible, Specimen. Prefers a sunny position in a moderately fertile well-drained moisture retentive circum-neutral soil, The tree species does well 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.
E. Globlus 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. 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 Kenya inclusive.
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 meters 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.
The tree is popular in cultivation, particularly for its attractive, blue-grey (glaucous) juvenile foliage and fast growth. However, it is really too large for normal-sized surburban blocks and it has a strong and vigorous root system which can cause damage to buildings and underground pipes if the plant is not properly located. The leaves fruits and branches all have a strong 'eucalypt' fragrance and can be used as a 'pot pourri' in cupboards and drawers.
E.globulus has an open textured wood with distinct growth rings. The timber is strong and durable and has been used for a variety of purposes including railway sleepers, piles, paper making, oil and honey. The tree coppices well and has been used for fuel. The volatile oil content is relatively low but that hasn't prevented substantial oil harvesting from the species. The oil is pale yellow in colour and is used in perfumery and in soap making.
