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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical,
tropical
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out
Maintenance :
high
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
resistant
Stagnant water :
resistant
Irrigation
:
low
Salinity/ppm :
very high (13000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
-9°C
SHAPE
Type
:
tree
Height
:
25 m-35 m
Spread
:
7 m-10 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
white, pale
yellow
Period
:
June - August
Smell
:
aroma, leaf, spicy
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
0.6 cm
Toxicity
:
inedible
The Red Gum tree, known in Arabic as keenah or kafur, is the most common Eucalyptus to be
seen in the Arriyadh region. Native to Australia, which claims over 500 species of the genus, it
has been introduced into many arid countries throughout the world, where they now have the
reputation of being invasive, too large and too greedy. Massive with a weeping habit and open
crown, it grows very rapidly to a height of 30 metres. Its familiar smooth bark is white and grey,
which, when shed in long strips, exposes a red colour underneath. Lanceolate, straight and curved
leaves with a fragrant sap are a matt, blue-green; yellowish-white flowers occur in early summer
and the seed pods are pea-sized nutlets. E. camaldulensis requires full sun, and although drought
tolerant, it will do better with periodic deep watering. It is very tolerant of all soils, even those wa-
terlogged and with a high pH and salinity, but is susceptible to chlorosis. Propagation is by seed.
Frost-tolerant, the tree is valuable in giving shade, but it is too huge for garden planting. It plays
an important role as a wind break, in reafforestation, stabilising watercourses, and is suitable
for roadside planting and parks. E. camaldulensis has a habit of dropping large boughs without
warning – a form of self-pruning, but a major problem in urban areas. It is a high-maintenance
tree, producing a large amount of leaf, bark and seed litter; its roots are deep, spreading and very
aggressive. Young trees must be well-staked and pruned to create a strong vertical trunk.
137
Eucalyptus camaldulensis,
Myrtaceae
Red Gum,
River Red Gum, keenah, kafur