Eucalyptus grandis (Bekele-Tesemma, 2007)

Eucalyptus grandis Myrtaceae Northern New South Wales, Queensland (Australia)

• English: Flooded gum, Rose gum
• Amargna: Key bahir zaf

This gum tree grows best in humid subtropical conditions, but has been widely planted all over the world (e.g. South Africa, Brazil). In Ethiopia it grows successfully in Moist and Wet Weyna Dega agroclimatic zones. It has shown excellent growth in Arsi region, but is also cultivated in Shoa, Harerge and Kefa regions. It performs well on light and medium neutral to acid soils that are free draining and moist, 1,700–2,500 m.

Firewood, charcoal, timber (heavy and light construction, furniture, boxes), poles (building, electricity transmission), posts, veneer, plywood, bee forage, shade, ornamental, windbreak, short-fibre pulp for paper.

An evergreen tree 40–55 m, to a diameter of 2 m; with an excellent straight trunk and wide spreading thin crown, self-pruning of branches in plantations.

• BARK: Reddish at first, later pale grey, fibrous bark extends several metres up the trunk (more than in E. saligna). Upper bark is smooth, silvery white (greenish).
• LEAVES: Similar to those of E. saligna.
• FLOWERS: White, small. Buds (larger than in E. saligna) with a bluish bloom (waxy powder), lack petals.
• FRUIT: Pear-shaped, gradually narrowed to an ill-defined stalk, teeth of capsule 4–6, mostly 5, pale, the blunt tips turned inward like “clutching fingers”, enclosed or partly enclosed in adherent calyx tube.

Seedlings, direct sowing at site is possible but requires careful management in the early stages. Farmers sometimes cut branches with mature fruits, spread the branches on the ground and then there the fruits to open and disperse seed. The ground is then watered to keep the soil moist to ensure germination. The branches are removed when the germinants are well established. Thinning to suitable spacing is needed when this technique is used.

600,000–650,000 seed per kg. Germinates in 7–8 days.

• Treatment: Not necessary. Mix with sand for more even sowing.
• Storage: Can store for several years if kept in cool, dry and airtight containers.

A fast-growing tree. Flowers in July to December, Coppicing, coppice reduction. Protect from termite attack when young.

It is fire sensitive and tends to split when being felled. It produces flowers and seeds in 4 –5 years and is moderately frost resistant as well as salt and wind tolerant. Does not do well in water-logged sites. The pink to pale red-brown timber is softer and lighter than that of many gums and more easily worked.