Eucalyptus globulus (Bekele-Tesemma, 2007)
| Eucalyptus globulus (Bekele-Tesemma, 2007) |
Eucalyptus globulus Myrtaceae S.W. Australia
Common names
- English: Tasmanian blue gum
- Amargna: Nech bahir zaf
Ecology
Grows in the cooler and wetter parts of south-west Australia. A tree suitable for high-altitude areas as it tolerates frost. It performs well in upper Dry, Moist and Wet Weyna Dega and Dega agroclimatic zones in Tigray, Gonder, Welo, Shoa, Gojam, Wolega, Kefa, Arsi and Harerge, 1,700– 2,800 m.
Uses
Firewood, charcoal, timber (heavy and light construction), poles (power lines), posts, veneer, plywood, medicine, bee forage, windbreak, essential oil (young leaves).
Description
A tall tree to 55 m, rather narrow, the crown rounded and open, the main stems straight.
- BARK: Blue‑grey, smooth, rough at base.
- LEAVES: Young leaves, opposite, oval, blue‑grey without stalks, mature leaves deep blue‑green, shiny, very long and thin to 30 cm, slightly curved, stalked, smelling of camphor if crushed, tip sharp.
- FLOWERS: Buds grey‑green, wrinkled, 2.5 cm, usually 1, rarely 2 or 3, together, the white flowers to 4 cm across.
- FRUIT: Woody, half spheres, rough, 3 cm across, four-angled, no stalks. Dull black seeds escape from slits.
Propagation
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.
Seed
60,000–400,000 seed per kg.
- Treatment: Not necessary. Mix with sand for more even sowing.
- Storage: Seed can be stored for a long time.
Management
Coppicing.
Remarks
The young leaves of this species are used to produce an essential oil used in pharmaceutical products. The wood is hard, heavy and strong and is often used for telephone poles. In some places, the tree is liable to attack by beetles. The tree tolerates frost. It is a strong competitor for moisture and nutrients and should therefore not be planted alongside crops.
