Cider gum eucalyptus

Profile

Family

Myrtaceae

Habit

Tree

Height

30 m

Spread

6 m

Growth

fast

Lifespan

150 years

First yield

after 4 years

Hardiness

zone 8–10

Shade tolerance

light shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

very dry – near water

pH

5.5 – 7.5

Uses

Edible: Juice (sweet flavor, consumed fresh or fermented into cider) up to ½ liter daily; Edible manna;

Other uses: Foliage 5-12 t/ha, 1% essential oil with antifungal properties; Wood is strong and dense, used as fuel (needs to be dried for over 12 months) and for ornamental purposes, to dry wet soils, repel mosquitoes, and protect the soil.

Growing

Prefers a sunny location in a moderately fertile, well-drained soil that retains moisture, avoiding clay or chalk soils but thriving in most other soil types. Tolerant of poor soils, particularly those deficient in mineral elements. Dislikes shade but can withstand dry conditions and drought once established. Known as one of the toughest Eucalyptus species, it exhibits high frost resistance, enduring extended periods as low as -14°C and brief periods down to -18°C. Eucalyptus species do not become deciduous and continue growing until temperatures drop too low. This lack of dormancy makes them vulnerable to sudden cold spells. Gradual temperature changes, such as in woodlands, allow the plants to enter dormancy, enhancing their cold resistance. Providing a deep mulch around the roots to prevent soil freezing aids in surviving cold weather. While members of this genus are highly adaptable, subsequent generations from survivors in temperate regions show increased hardiness. A highly decorative tree, it grows rapidly in its youth and needs protection from strong winds to prevent distortion. These trees can withstand winds carrying salt. The plant displays distinct juvenile foliage from its adult leaves, with leaves emitting a strong aroma when crushed. Easily regenerates through coppicing. Widely planted in Southwest Europe for timber, shelter, soil conservation, and as an anti-malarial measure due to its ability to dry out mosquito-breeding wetlands. Shallow-rooted plants, especially in windy areas, should be transplanted into permanent positions when young to avoid wind damage. They are sensitive to root disturbance and are best container-grown before being planted permanently. Eucalyptus monocultures pose environmental risks, being voracious, allelopathic, and promoting detrimental land use practices. The flowers are abundant in nectar, making them a valuable food source for bees.

Propagation

Sow seeds on the surface in February/March in a sunny greenhouse. Species from high altitudes benefit from 6-8 weeks of cold stratification at 2°C. Transfer seedlings to individual pots once the second set of leaves appears. Plant them in their permanent spots in early summer, protecting them from cold in the first winter. Alternatively, sow seeds in June and plant young trees in their final spots in late spring the next year. The seeds have a long viability.

Notable

Eigenschaften: dürretolerant (wenn etabliert), toleriert salzhaltige Winde; frostbeständig: verträgt langzeitig bis -14°C + kurzzeitig bis -18°C; E. Monokulturen = Umweltkatastrophe: (gefräßig, allelopathisch, feuergefährlich, ziehen Schädlinge an und fördern die schlechteste Einstellung zur Landnutzung/-erhaltung; weiterhin mulchen; Beschneiden im Frühjahr;

Origin & habitat

Australia - South Australia, Tasmania.

Unknown

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