Eucalyptus globulus ( Tasmanian Blue Gum ) is a tall tree that is native to south-eastern Australia. Tasmanian Blue Gums are one of the most commonly grown eucalyptus in the world and is adaptable to almost every climate. They are fast growing; a great source of honey and firewood and the leaves can be made into a tea. But the major reason it is widely cultivated is due to the essential oil content this species produces. Tasmanian Blue Gums make a smart plantation tree as they can produce income while they develop into marketable timber.
Suitable for all climates but young trees will need protection from extremely cold winters.
Also commonly known as Southern Blue Gum and Blue Gum.
Tasmanian Blue Gums typically grow to heights of around 50 metres (160 feet) but one living specimen in Tasmania currently stands at 90.7 m (298 ft) tall.
Due to the ease of cultivation and quality of the essential oil, Tasmanian Blue Gums are now grown in over 40 countries worldwide and cover over 1 million hectares of land. The leaves of this species have a strong aroma and are used in herbal teas and included in pot pourri mixes. Flowers are said to be a producer of a fine honey.
Another major advantage of growing plantations of Tasmanian Blue Gums is that the trees can be harvested for many of their uses within 5-10 years. And will then easily grow again in the same plot.
This species is a major component of the paper making industries in Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, and Chile, as well as in Australia.
Growth
Eucalyptus globulus is an Australian native tree that grows to heights of around 50 metres (160 feet). Tasmanian Blue Gums are fast growing, can grow in a wide range of climates and have attractive leaves, flowers, and bark. Unfortunately due to their size, they are unsuitable for growing in suburban areas. The lignotuber of these trees can be as deep as the tree is high and can cause substantial damage to footpaths, fencing and foundations.
Seeds germinate easily and young plants can grow quickly during warmer seasons. Young plants have mostly smooth bark with leaves that have a waxy gloss green appearance. White flowers cover the tree from late winter from their second or third growing season. As the trees mature, the trunk and its bark become an attractive feature of varying shades. The bark itself comes off like ribbons like that of the Manna Gum.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Myrtaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-5 to 35°C / 23 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 50 metres (160 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 15 metres (50 feet)
pH:
5.5-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
10-15 years
GERMINATION RATES:
82%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Fairly Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 70
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes
FACTS ABOUT EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS (Tasmanian Blue Gum)
During the 19th century Tasmanian Blue Gums were being grown in California to increase timber production to meet railroad demands. Nowadays the trees are prominent in many parks across the state including San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
In 1991 a wildfire near Oakland, California occurred and in the aftermath, it was found that large quantities of Eucalyptus globulus were a major contributor to the US $1.5 billion damage bill. Since then, many states of the USA allocate funding towards eradicating the species.
Around 1860, a fellow named Francis Cook planted a tree on his property at Monserrate Palace in Portugal and claimed that within twenty years it had grown to a height of 100 metres (297 feet). Although Tasmanian Blue Gums do prefer Mediterranean climates it is hard to believe the tree reached such a height in that short a period. Good folklore story though.
FACTS ABOUT EUCALYPTUS IN GENERAL
Every year Eucalyptus trees add a new layer of bark, and the outmost layer dies and peels off. Many of the species are viewed as ornamentals due to the colour contrasts of the tree’s trunks and branches.
Eucalyptus trees make up around 75% of Australia’s forests and have adapted to the seasonal bushfires with the ability to re-sprout directly after a fire. Studies have found that many Eucalyptus seeds are triggered by the smoke of fires and that sowing with ash in the soil improves germination rates. Eucalyptus oil is so highly flammable that trees have been known to explode during bushfires.
Many Eucalyptus species are grown worldwide for their honey, essential oils, and paper pulpwood. As they are considered fast-growing, they are also highly sought after for regeneration, water stability and mining closures.
During Captain Cook’s third voyage to Australia in 1777, David Nelson collected the first Eucalyptus specimen to reach Europe. Eucalyptus trees in Australia take up an area bigger than New South Wales and over seven times the size of England.
The majority of Eucalyptus species do well in a wide range of climates, and most can withstand a light frost of −5 °C (23 °F).
