Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus Globulus)
Tasmanian Blue gum, scientifically named Eucalyptus Globulus, is an evergreen plant with broad leaves. Eucalyptus Globulus has its native roots in South Eastern Australia but is mainly cultivated for pulp paper production in Europe. Tasmanian Blue Gum is widely cultivated across the globe for its fast land adaptation and fast-growing aptitude. Tasmanian Blue Gum is renowned for its beautiful appearance, aromatic foliage, and valuable timber. Eucalyptus species have mostly smooth bark and juvenile leaves. These trees contribute to the character and heritage of South Eastern Australia.
History of Tasmanian Blue Gum Eucalyptus Globulus
Eucalyptus Globulus was one of the first parental species of Eucalyptus bought for cultivation. In 1799, they were formally described by a French Botanist, Labillardiere. Therefore, the plant is named after him, Eucalyptus Globulus Labill. In the mid-19th century, Tasmanian Blue Gum was planted for industrial purposes to extract timber and lapidify paper production. The plant covers over 1.3 million hectares of land throughout Europe.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy Tree
|
Nomenclature |
|
| Plant Common name: | Tasmanian Blue Gum |
| Plant Scientific / Botanical Name: | Eucalyptus globulus |
| Plant EPPO Code: | EUCGL (Eucalyptus Globulus) |
| Plant Trade Name: | Southern Blue Gum |
| Plant Class: | Dicotyledonae |
| Plant Order: | Myrtales |
| Taxonomy Tree | |
| Plant Domain Name: | Eukaryota |
| Plant Kingdom Name: | Plantae |
| Plant Phylum Name: | Spermatophyta |
| Plant Subphylum Name: | Angiospermae |
| Plant Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Plant Genus: | Eucalyptus |
| Plant Species: | Eucalyptus globulus |
Tasmanian Blue Gum Plant Type
Perennial:
Tasmanian blue gums live for more than two years. Therefore, they are referred to as perennial-type plants. Perennial-type plants undergo growth cycles from reproduction to dormancy and finally persist.
Broadleaved:
Tasmanian Blue Gums have wide, broad leaves. Their flat and widespread leaves help them accumulate more sunlight than other species. Being a hardwood tree, broad leaves add a distinct appearance to their overall look.
Seed Propagated:
Among different kinds of reproduction, Tasmanian Blue Gums reproduce via seed propagation. Their seeds are inside the capsules named "gum nuts," from which they are carried to another plant via wind, water, and insects.
Woody Tree:
Tasmanian Blue Gums possess a dense, rigid structure composed of wood. The tree's woody structure makes its trunk solid and rigid, eventually making it grow taller.
Distinguish Features Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus Globulus)
With solitary flowers, stalked pedicels (4 mm), and large warty fruits, Tasmanian Blue gums are one-of-a-kind trees. The lower bark is rough and greyish, while the upper bark appears pale and smooth. It grows as a multi-stemmed shrub. Their leaves have a characteristic fragrance.
Tasmanian Blue Gum Physical Characteristics
Tasmanian blue gum is the complement of Tasmanian oak. Eucalyptus Globulus is an evergreen tree that grows up to a height of 70 metres and a diameter of 2 metres. The plant, weighing up to 900 kg/m3, has at least 12% moisture content. They can grow up to 70m tall with a straight trunk and leaves up to 15 cm long. Tasmanian Blue Gum has been recorded as one of the tallest plant species in Europe.
The species hermaphrodite exists in both male and female pairs and is pollinated by bees. It can be grown in well-drained sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant prefers mildly alkaline pH conditions and can’t grow under shade.
Tasmanian Blue Gum Habitats
Tasmanian blue gums are mainly found in hilly countries and are favoured by damp marshy areas. They grow well in moist valleys in deep, rich soils. It grows in wet and dry sclerophyll woodland forests. Tasmanian Blue Gums are well adapted to Mediterranean climate regions. Mainly limiting water supply and low nutrient presence in the soil resist the growth of Tasmanian Blue gums. The ability of the species to regenerate from dormant buds has made it a fast-growing species. The fast growth rates mainly result from the intermediate shoot growth and the expanded leaf area.
Uses of Tasmanian Blue Gum Eucalyptus Globulus
Tasmanian Blue Gums' fast growth and adaptability to environmental conditions have turned them into a widely planted specie for industrial applications. Their cultivation is managed as short-term coppice crops to increase the industrial yield. Tasmanian blue gums have been widely used for both non-wood and wood applications in all edible and medicinal domains.
Edible:
An essential oil, i.e., one extracted from its leaves, is used for flavouring baked items like cakes and sweets.
Carpentry:
Timber from Eucalyptus is widely used for wood works and carpentry. Its exceptional hardness and density make it perfect for flooring and fitting applications.
Paper Industry:
Eucalyptus pulp serves as the most viable raw material for paper production.
Insect Repellent:
Leaf extracts of Eucalyptus Globulus are widely used as insect repellents. Mosquito abundance can be decreased by the plantation of Eucalyptus globulus in wet areas.
Medicinal Use:
Traditional Aboriginal herbal remedies include eucalyptus leaves. Certain oil extracts from the leaves serve as antiseptics used for relieving infections from coughs and colds. Oils, if stored for a longer period of time, build up their self-disinfectant action. Some oil extracts from Eucalyptus are also used in herbal teas that prevent colds. Resin from the tree contains certain astringent tannins, which are used to treat diarrhoea and bladder inflammation.
Soil Control:
Tasmanian Blue Gum is widely planted near the banks for windbreaks and shelter belts. Over the decades, their hold over the soil has also controlled soil erosion and salinity.
Conclusion
Tasmanian Blue Gums' fast growth, adaptability to various environments, and diverse applications make them an essential species in ecological domains. Its tall height, thorny trunk, widespread leaves, and punky fruits have always caught the viewer's eye. Its two-layered trunk colours add an extra layer to its significant appearance. With its various medicinal benefits and industrial applications, this evergreen plant continues to leave a lasting impact across the globe.
References
Insect pests of Tasmanian blue gum, Eucalyptus globulus globulus, in south-western Australia: History, current perspectives and future prospects | https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1442-9993.2001.01145.x | A. D. Loch, R. B. Floyd | First published: 20 December 2001
Babatunde, Samuel A., and A. K. Musa. “Effect of Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus Globulus Labill.) Leaf Extract on Cowpea Weevil (Callosobruchus Maculatus [Fabricius, 1775], Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).” Acta Agriculturae Slovenica, 23 Dec. 2020, doi.org/10.14720/aas.2020.116.2.1689.
National Trust - Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus Globulus). trusttrees.org.au/tree/TAS/Hobart/Anglesea_Barracks_Davey_Street. Accessed 28 June 2023.
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