Red river gum

Red river gum

Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Myrtaceae)

Common Name:

Red river gum

Scientific Name:

Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Myrtaceae)


Alternative common names:

Murray red gum; red gum; rostrata gum (English); rooibloekom (Afrikaans)

Description:

A tall evergreen tree 18-40m high with a spreading crown and smooth, mottled, white or grey bark, often tinged red in very cold areas. Pale, dull green leaves. Cream flowers appear from September to January and produces brown to reddish brown fruit capsules. It invades perennial, seasonal and intermittent water courses.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Australia

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

CARA 2002 - Category 2 NEMBA - a. Category 1b within- (i) riparian areas; (ii) a Protected Area declared in terms of the Protected Areas act; or, (iii) within a Listed Ecosystem or an ecosystem identified for conservation in terms of a Bioregional Plan or Biodiversity Management Plans published under the Act. b. Not listed within Nama-Karoo, Succulent Karoo and Desert biomes, excluding within any area mentioned in (a) above. c. Category 1b in Fynbos, Grassland, Savanna, Albany Thicket, Forest and Indian Ocean Coastal Belt biomes, but- (i) Category 2 for plantations, woodlots, bee-forage areas, wind-rows and the lining of avenues. (ii) Not listed within cultivated land that is at least 50 metres away from untransformed land, but excluding within in any area in (a) above. (iii) Not listed within 50 metres of the main house on a farm, but excluding in (a) above. (iv) Not listed in urban areas for trees within a diameter of more than 400 mm at 1000 mm height at the time of publishing of this Notice, but excluding in (a) above.

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Throughout South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Gauteng and Free State.

How does it spread?

Spreads by seed dispersal.

Why is it a problem?

It competes with and replaces indigenous riverine species. Extensive stands along watercourses are likely to cause a significant reduction in stream flow.

What does it look like?

General description: Evergreen tree 18-40 m high with a spreading crown and smooth, mottled, white or grey bark, often tinged red in very cold localities.
Leaves: Simple, slender, lance-shaped, straight or curved, colouration sometimes more silvery than green.
Flowers: Creamy white or yellow; bloom in early summer.
Fruit/Seeds: Pea-like capsule containing tiny (pepper grain sized) seeds.

Does the plant have any uses?

Mostly used for shelter, timber, firewood, ornament and as a honey source.

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