Eucalyptus tereticornis ( Forest Red Gum ) is a widely distributed tree species that is native to Australia and Papua New Guinea. Forest Red Gums are one of the primary sources of food for Koalas in southern Queensland. The timber is heavy and highly sought after for construction. Forest Red Gums are also grown for their sweet honey and for the quality of their firewood.
Suitable for a wide range of climates including Cold, Temperate, Mediterranean, Sub-Tropical and Tropical.
Also commonly known as Bastard Box, Flooded Gum, Grey Gum, Red Irongum, Stinking Gum, Mountain Gum and Queensland Blue Gum.
Growth
Eucalyptus tereticornis is a native tree that reaches heights of up to 50 metres (194 feet). Forest Red Gums have the widest range of habitat of any eucalyptus species. They grow well in Tropical regions as far north as Papua New Guinea as well as colder climates in Victoria.
Seeds germinate easily and the seedlings can grow quickly up to 2 metres (7 feet) per year. In warmer climates Forest Red Gums can produce white flowers all year round. The trunk of the tree is straight and the bark is constantly changing colours as it peels throughout the seasons.
The leaves are high in cineole and are cultivated for the production of essential oils. In southern Queensland, Forest Red Gums are one of the primary sources of food for the Koala.
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 (194 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
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 70
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT EUCALYPTUS TERETICORNIS (Forest Red Gum)
Every year Eucalyptus trees add a new layer of bark and the outmost layer dies and peels off.
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.
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).
Eucalyptus trees are grown in Algeria, Lebanon, California and parts of Europe to help reduce malaria by soaking up excess water.
