Characteristics & General Info
- Eucalyptus is among the fastest growing hardwood trees in the world, and is grown in more than 90 countries and represents 8% of all planted forests.
- They can reach heights over 300 feet.
- Their leaves have a leathery feel and are bluish-green in color.
- They are extremely sturdy and can survive in harsh conditions such as drought, poor coil quality, and fire.
- This tree remains the top choice for wood, fiber, and energy.
- The thick bark of the eucalyptus tree helps to shield it from fire damage, while during a fire winds help to disperse the seeds into new areas.
- It grows faster than other hardwood species and is potentially a viable option for biomass.
- Koalas rely exclusively on these trees for food.
- Termites are the most dangerous tenants in which they eat eucalyptus wood and use it for building, leaving the trees hollowed out
- PBS Nature says that four in five of northern Australia's eucalyptus trees experience termine damage.
- Eucalyptus leaves contain oils that fuel fires, but the trees' thick bark protects them from fire damage. This heat sparks a period of growth.