Eucalyptus saligna

Eucalyptus saligna, commonly known as Sydney blue gum, is a large forest tree native mainly to the subtropical areas of the Australian east coast. Used as timber, it is appreciated for its decorative bark, which is usually light in colour and contrasts pleasantly with the evergreen foliage. This species grows rapidly in moist and well-drained soil, and thrives in sunny exposures with sandy, volcanic, or moderately clayey, well-drained soils. Not very hardy, it can freeze at -3°C. Eucalyptus saligna is mainly of interest to collectors with ample space and a mild and humid climate.

Eucalyptus saligna belongs to the large family Myrtaceae, like Callistemon (Bottlebrush), Feijoa, or of course Myrtle. The genus Eucalyptus includes over 800 species, almost all of which are native to Australia, with a few from Southeast Asia. E. saligna has a wide distribution along the entire coast of New South Wales, extending into southeast Queensland. It has also naturalized in other parts of Australia and on the North Island of New Zealand. It mainly grows in moist forests, coexisting with tree ferns and other subtropical plants, on clayey or loamy soils, as well as sandy alluvial and volcanic soils. It thrives in humid climates, with annual rainfall ranging from 900 to 1800 mm (35.4 to 70.9 in), hot summers, and cool winters.
Under these conditions, it has rapid growth and can reach a height of 55 m (180 ft 5 in). In its forest habitat, it has a relatively narrow habit due to its proximity to other trees, with a straight trunk reaching for the sky and a well-developed canopy in the upper half. When planted in isolation, it grows wider, with branches at a more open angle, sometimes even close to horizontal. This species has the common feature among Eucalyptus of developing a lignotuber, an underground starch-rich structure that allows it to regenerate after destruction (e.g., by fire). The trunk and main branches are adorned with a beautiful smooth bark, which can vary in colour from grey-blue to cream, occasionally with a slight pinkish hue. The base of the trunk is covered with a darker fibrous bark in shades of grey-brown. This layer can extend up to 4 m (13 ft 1 in) above the ground before peeling off in strips and revealing a smooth surface. The thin and young branches are covered with green bark.
The juvenile foliage consists of green, lanceolate to slightly ovate leaves, measuring 4 to 12 cm (1.6 to 4.7 in) long and 1.5 to 4 cm (0.6 to 1.6 in) wide. Unlike many other species where the leaves are sessile, they are petiolate here. The adult leaves have the same width but are longer, ranging from 9 to 19 cm (3.5 to 7.5 in), giving them a more lanceolate, and even sickle-shaped, appearance, resembling some willow leaves, hence the species name (Salix = willow). Supported by a 1.5 to 3 cm (0.6 to 1.2 in) long petiole, the leaf is asymmetric at its base, with one side descending further down the petiole. The adult foliage is also green, slightly glossy, and aromatic when crushed.
The small flowers are grouped in umbels of 7 to 11 units, with white stamen clusters forming pompoms in the axils of the leaves. They appear from January to March in Australia and between June and October in temperate climates. They then give way to small fruits, which are capsules less than 1 cm (0.4 in) long, containing tiny seeds measuring 1 to 2 mm (0 to 0.1 in). On average, there are 250,000 seeds per kilogram, and they germinate easily.
This Eucalyptus is a giant of Australian rainforests. In temperate climates, its growth is generally more limited, but it can still reach an imposing height of 30 m (98 ft 5 in) with a width of 15 m (49 ft 2 in). It grows in neutral to acidic soil, tolerating moderately clayey, loamy, and even sandy soils, as long as there is good drainage. It prefers sunny locations and hot summers, but not extreme heat or cold winters.

This majestic tree with its sumptuous bark requires a lot of space and a suitable climate. If successful, it guarantees the creation of an exotic scene, with one of the most beautiful barks. Plant some tree ferns alongside it, such as the delicate Cyathea cooperi with its slender dark trunk and particularly elegant fronds, or the Dicksonia antarctica, which is more robust in appearance and more resistant to cold. The Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana), with its coconut-like appearance, will add an even more tropical touch to your plantation.