Eucalyptus camaldulensis ( River Red Gum ) is a water-loving tree that is native to Australia. River Red Gums, as the name suggests, thrives next to river banks, dams and lakes. They enjoy clayish soils and have adapted to all of Australia’s rugged climates, as long as there is enough water. River Red Gum trees are fast growing, an excellent source of firewood and is a great attractor of bees and birds. Suitable for Cold, Temperate, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates. The essential oil found in the leaves of River Red Gum trees is a strong antiseptic and is used around the world to help relieve coughs and sore throats. River Red Gums have recently become a popular species to use as a bonsai specimen. Other common names used include Murray Red Gum, Blue Gum, Long Beak Eucalyptus and Red River Gum. Growth Eucalyptus camaldulensis is an Australian native evergreen tree that grows to a height of 45 metres (147 feet). River Red Gum is an important tree species around the world for land and water management. In its native habitat, the tree can be found along the banks of water in most climates and rely on heavy rains to feed its deep roots. Their seeds germinate easily and young plants can grow quickly. A growth rate of 60 cm (2 feet) within 6-7 months is not uncommon if they are grown in suitable conditions. River Red Gums are best transplanted into the ground while still young. Spring is the most ideal time as it allows the juvenile plants time to develop prior to the following winter. FAMILY: Myrtaceae CLIMATE: Cold, Temperate, Sub Tropical, Tropical. TEMPERATURE RANGE: -5 to 25°C / 23 to 77°F SOIL TYPE: Clay, moist soil. LOCATION: Full Sun – Part Shade HEIGHT: Up to 45 metres (147 feet) WIDTH: Up to 8 metres (25 feet) pH: 5.5-6.5 GROWTH TYPE: Evergreen WATER REQUIREMENTS: Low POLLINATION: Bees. MATURITY: 10-15 years GERMINATION RATES: 82% GERMINATION TIME: 3-4 weeks SEEDS PER GRAM: Approximately 600 MEDICINAL QUALITIES: Yes WEED POTENTIAL: Yes FACTS ABOUT EUCALYPTUS CAMALDULENSIS (River Red Gum) Around 120 years old, the River Red Gum begins to hollow out and becomes a refuge for wildlife such as birds, bats and carpet pythons. The Separation Tree was a River Red Gum tree that was best known as the site where Victoria was announced as being a separate colony from New South Wales. It was one of the few trees at the time that pre-dated European colonisation. In 2013, the 400 year old tree was vandalised and subsequently died at its home within the Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne. FACTS ABOUT EUCALYPTUS TREES IN GENERAL Eucalyptus trees make up around 75% of Australia’s forests and have adapted to the seasonal bushfires with the ability to re-sprout directly after a fire. During Captain Cook’s third voyage to Australia in 1777, David Nelson collected the first Eucalyptus specimen to reach Europe. Eucalyptus trees in Australia take up an area bigger than New South Wales and over seven times the size of England. The majority of Eucalyptus species do well in a wide range of climates and most can withstand a light frost of −5 °C (23 °F).
