Eucalyptus globulus Seeds | Tasmanian Blue Gum
LATIN NAME: Eucalyptus globulus
COMMON NAME: Tasmanian Blue Gum, Southern Blue Gum, Blue Gum Eucalyptus
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) stands out as a tall, evergreen tree, native to tasmania and southern victoria in Australia. The Tasmanian blue gum is one of tallest and grandest trees of Australia, and it has carried its fresh, camphor-like scent around the world. In late autumn and winter it bears small, white flowers, followed by greyish woody capsules holding fine seeds. Endemic to southeastern Australia, including Tasmania, it has been planted across warm world for its timber, its oil and its astonishingly rapid growth, and it is one of the most widely grown eucalyptus species on earth. Mature plants top out at about Fifty metres. The flowering period doubles as a feeding season for bees and other pollinators. These traits together are what have kept the plant in gardens for so long.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Eucalyptus globulus ranges from the botany of the Eucalyptus group to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. The southern blue gum has a distinguished and growing place in both scientific and industrial research. Raising it from seed today is a matter of ordinary good practice rather than specialist skill.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Tasmanian Blue Gum has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Ecologically, the southern blue gum is a generous tree of the Australian forest. Its white flowers feed bees and other pollinators, its seeds feed birds, and its tall, leafy crown gives shelter and shade for a great range of wildlife, while it is a favourite of koalas in its native range. For a grower, the southern blue gum is a fast and valuable tree, and for a gardener it brings a tall, elegant evergreen with a fresh, camphor-like scent. Beyond the establishment year, its needs are simple and few.
Eucalyptus oil, rich in cineole, is a pharmacy standard in chest rubs, inhalants and lozenges for respiratory comfort, and the genus supplies honey, timber and the world’s most planted hardwoods. The oil is for external and properly diluted use only.
Growing from Seed
Tasmanian Blue Gum is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in bright light with steady moisture. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
It forms a tall, evergreen tree, which makes spacing and siting straightforward. Keep the sowing evenly moist at the start — that is the one real requirement.
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