Saligna gum

Saligna gum

Eucalyptus grandis (Myrtaceae)

Common Name:

Saligna gum

Scientific Name:

Eucalyptus grandis (Myrtaceae)


Alternative common names:

bluegum; rose gum; saligna (English); salignabloekom (Afrikaans)

Description:

A tall, evergreen tree with a shaft-like trunk 25-55m high with smooth bark except for the part of the trunk up to 4m from the ground. The bark peels in long, thin strips to expose a powdery, white, grey-white or blue-grey surface. Dark green leaves which are glossy above and paler below. Cream flowers appear from April to August. Brown fruit capsules with a bluish-grey powdery surface. This tree invades forest clearings, plantations, water courses and roadsides.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

East and north-east 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?

Widely distributed throughout KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces.

How does it spread?

Spreads by seed dispersal.

Why is it a problem?

It competes with and replaces indigenous species. Stands of trees along watercourses are likely to reduce stream flow.

What does it look like?

General description: Tall, evergreen tree with shaft-like trunk, 25-55m high; bark smooth, except butt up to 4m, peeling in long, thin strips to expose a powdery, white, grey-white or blue-grey surface.
Leaves: Dark green and glossy above, paler below; adult leaves 130-200 mm long, similar to juvenile leaves.
Flowers: Cream with long-exerted stamens, buds, to 8mm long, pear-shaped with conical lids.
Fruit/Seeds: Brown capsules with bluish-grey bloom, pear-shaped, 7-10mm long, with protruding valves that arch inwards.

Does the plant have any uses?

Used as timber, shelter, shade, firewood; honey source.

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