Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) Plant Guide

Local Indian Name:

• Hindi: Safeda (सफेदा)

• Tamil: Neelgiri Maram (நீலிகிரி மரம்)

• Telugu: Nallamadi (నల్లమది)

• Malayalam: Karpuravalli (കർപ്പൂരം)

• Kannada: Neelagiri (ನೀಲಗಿರಿ)

• Bengali: Eucalyptus (ইউক্যালিপটাস)

Scientific Name: Eucalyptus globulus

Family: Myrtaceae (Myrtle Family)

Category and Subcategory:

• Category: Evergreen Tree

• Subcategory: Fast-growing Timber and Medicinal Tree

Native Region:

• Indigenous to Australia (mainly Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales).

• Introduced to India, Africa, Europe, and America for commercial plantations.

Introduction

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), commonly known as the Tasmanian Blue Gum, is a fast-growing evergreen tree widely cultivated for timber, paper production, and medicinal oil extraction. It has been extensively planted in India for reforestation, agroforestry, and commercial purposes due to its drought resistance and adaptability to various soil types.

Importance & Benefits

Economic Importance:

• High-value timber used for construction, furniture, and poles.

• Eucalyptus oil is widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and aromatherapy.

• Used in paper and pulp industries.

Environmental Benefits:

• Fast-growing species for reforestation and afforestation.

• Helps in soil conservation and carbon sequestration.

• Acts as a windbreak and erosion control tree.

Health & Medicinal Benefits:

• Eucalyptus oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Used in cough syrups, inhalers, and pain relief balms.

• Its essential oil is a natural mosquito repellent.

Description and Cultivation

Botanical Description:

• Height: Grows 30-55 meters tall.

• Trunk: Straight, with smooth, peeling bark.

• Leaves: Long, narrow, fragrant, and blue-green in color.

• Flowers: White or cream-colored, rich in nectar (attracts bees).

• Fruits: Small woody capsules containing numerous seeds.

Major Growing Regions in India:

• Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

Varieties and Cultivars

• Eucalyptus globulus – Commonly grown for oil production.

• Eucalyptus camaldulensis – Drought-resistant and grown in dry regions.

• Eucalyptus citriodora – Lemon-scented variety, used for essential oil.

• Eucalyptus tereticornis – Used for timber and agroforestry.

Location and Light

• Requires full sunlight for optimal growth.

• Best suited for warm and tropical climates.

• Prefers open lands with good air circulation.

Soil Preparation

• Well-drained sandy loam or laterite soils are ideal.

• Soil pH: 5.5 – 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).

• Deep plowing and organic compost improve soil fertility.

Planting

• Propagation: Grown from seeds or tissue culture seedlings.

• Planting Season: Best time is June – August (monsoon season).

• Spacing: 3 × 3 meters for timber plantations, 5 × 5 meters for agroforestry.

• Mulching: Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Watering

• Requires moderate watering during the first 1-2 years.

• Once established, it is drought-resistant.

• Drip irrigation improves growth in commercial plantations.

Pruning

• Remove lower branches to enhance timber quality.

• Thinning should be done after 3-5 years for better spacing and air circulation.

• Regular pruning prevents pest attacks and enhances straight trunk growth.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests:

1. Eucalyptus Gall Wasp – Causes abnormal leaf growth.

2. Termites – Attack young trees and roots.

3. Leaf Miners – Create tunnels inside leaves.

Common Diseases:

1. Dieback Disease – Caused by fungal infection.

2. Root Rot – Due to poor drainage and excessive moisture.

3. Powdery Mildew – Leads to white fungal patches on leaves.

Management Practices:

• Use Neem oil and organic pesticides for insect control.

• Apply fungicides for fungal infections.

• Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Environmental Conditions

• Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.

• Temperature: 15°C – 35°C.

• Rainfall: 600 – 1500 mm annually.

• Altitude: Can grow up to 2,000 meters above sea level.

Propagation

• Seed Propagation: The most common method. Seeds should be soaked before sowing.

• Tissue Culture: Used for high-quality commercial cultivation.

• Root Cuttings: Sometimes used for propagation.

Uses

Commercial Uses:

• Timber industry – Used for poles, furniture, doors, and flooring.

• Pulp and paper industry – Major source for making paper.

• Essential oil production – Used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and perfumes.

Agricultural & Ecological Uses:

• Used in agroforestry for soil improvement.

• Acts as a windbreak in farms.

• Reforestation programs to restore degraded lands.

Monetary Benefits

• Yield per acre: 400-600 trees can be harvested per acre.

• Market price: ₹500-₹2,000 per tree (based on quality and age).

• Eucalyptus oil price: ₹500-₹3,000 per liter, depending on purity.

• Pulpwood industry: Provides steady income from paper manufacturing.

• Annual income per acre: ₹2-6 lakhs (based on plantation density and product sales).

References

1. Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) – Eucalyptus Studies

2. National Agroforestry Policy, India – Eucalyptus Cultivation Guide

3. State Agricultural Universities – Timber and Essential Oil Production

4. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) – Sustainable Eucalyptus Management