Eucalyptus saligna

Cultivation Details

The preferred climate is warm temperate to subtropical with a mild dry season of not more than 4 months, although Eucalyptus saligna has also proved to be highly suited for short-rotation plantations in tropical montane regions^[1]. In its native range it is found at elevations from sea level to 1,220 metres, whilst in the tropics trees have succeeded at elevations up to 1,980 metres^[1]. Trees at the higher elevations in its native range have experienced temperatures as low as -15°c and up to 15 frosts a year^{[1, 2]}. Mean annual rainfall in its native range varies from 800 - 1,270 mm, though in the tropics it has succeeded with up to 7,620mm of rain^{[1, 2]}. Although it can tolerate short dry periods, best growth is achieved on sites with a high rainfall well distributed throughout the year^[1]. The tree achieves its best growth on sites with about 2,540 mm annual rainfall, rather than on wetter sites, possibly because sunlight is greatly reduced by the cloud cover on wetter sites^[1]. Requires a position in full sun^[1]. Prefers a moist but well drained soil^[1]. Best development occurs on good quality, alluvial sandy loams, the tree also succeeding on podsols and volcanic loams^[1]. The plant develops a lignotuber - this is a woody tuber that starts to develop near the base of seedlings and can become massive in the mature plants of some species. It possesses embedded vegetative buds, allowing the plant to regenerate following crown destruction, for example by fire^[3]. Whilst most Eucalyptus species, grown in small numbers outside their native range, can be an attractive and useful addition to the landscape, certain species (including this one) are more problematic. When grown in monocultures, especially outside their native range, they can become an environmental disaster. They are voracious, especially in their use of water; they are allelopathic, inhibiting the growth of the native flora; they reduce habitats for native fauna; and encourage the worst possible attitudes to land use and conservation^[4]. Seed production commences when the tree is about 7 - 8 years old^[1]. Coppices, with rotations of 6 - 10 years are used for producing fuel wood and pulpwood^[1]. Annual wood production potential is 15 - 35 cubic metres per hectare^[5]. This fast-growing, light-demanding tree is highly sensitive to competition from weeds during the first 2 years, and therefore measures to control emerging weed growth must be carried out several times. The rapid early growth soon allows the tree to dominate competing vegetation^[1]. The glabrous leaves are aromatic when crushed^[1]. Eucalyptus species have not adopted a deciduous habit and continue to grow until it is too cold for them to do so. This makes them more susceptible to damage from sudden cold snaps. If temperature fluctuations are more gradual, as in a woodland for example, the plants have the opportunity to stop growing and become dormant, thus making them more cold resistant. A deep mulch around the roots to prevent the soil from freezing also helps the trees to survive cold conditions^[4]. Many members of this genus are remarkably adaptable however, and there can be a dramatic increase in the hardiness of subsequent generations from the seed of survivors growing in temperate zones^[4].