Blog 7- 2/28/11

The eucalyptus tree is a very common tree in Australia along watercourses. There are 800 species of eucalyptus trees, but only three or four are common in Australia. The tree is medium size to tall size and can reach ages of up to 1000 years! They are perennial, which means the tree will live for more than two growing seasons, and single stemmed. The tree is most commonly found along riverbanks where there is heavy clay soil. It is also common in floodplains and can be found in the creeks of valleys. In Australia, the eucalyptus is a dominant tree, usually the only tree in one area although it can cohabit with other species. The tree is pollinated by insects, birds, and small animals and flowers from late spring to mid-summer.

The eucalyptus provides both intrinsic and extrinsic values. Historically and culturally the tree is important because of the Aboriginal sites found around and within them. It is also useful to stabilize the riverbanks because of the root systems the trees have. The eucalyptus is important to reduce flooding and holding the soil in place. The hollows in the trees provide habitats for hundreds of different species of animals and birds. During flooding season, the trees are a wonderful place for fish breeding. Eucalyptus tree bark and wood are used for craft purposes, firewood, fence posts, decks, and charcoal among other things.

As with any new plan, there are costs and benefits to planting a genetically modified version of the eucalyptus tree. It can be used to reduce flooding, reduce erosion, provide habitats and shade, and become a breeding ground for different animals and fish. It can also be harvested for a variety of different tasks because it is a hard and dense wood. However, introducing a new species will interrupt the existing ecology of different areas. Since it has a new resistance to cold snaps, the tree could spread far north, taking over habitats up there and killing native plants and animals along the way. I do not think the costs outweigh the benefits because it has the potential to ruin the biodiversity we have left today. I don’t think it would be a good idea to bring this tree to any part of the United States.