Eucalyptus camaldulensis – River Red Gum

Explore Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.

Eucalyptus camaldulensis | Botanical Characteristics

Common Names: River Red Gum

Family: Myrtaceae

Appearance: A tall, fast-growing evergreen tree with a distinctive, smooth, mottled bark that sheds in long strips, revealing patches of cream, grey, and red. Leaves are lanceolate, aromatic, and blue-green. Produces clusters of white to cream flowers followed by woody, cup-shaped seed capsules. Well known for its twisted branches and sculptural form, especially along riverbanks.

Type: Perennial

Evergreen / Deciduous: Evergreen

Layer: Canopy layer

Root System: Deep and extensive root system; strongly water-seeking and capable of exploiting underground moisture sources

Height: 20–45 m (occasionally taller in optimal conditions)

Width: 10–25 m

Lifespan: Long-lived (more than 500 years)

Growth Rate: Fast

Fertility: Self-fertile

Flowers: Hermaphroditic

Pollinator: Bees, insects, and some birds

Toxicity: Leaves contain essential oils that may be toxic to livestock if consumed in large quantities

Eucalyptus camaldulensis | Habitat and Cultivation

Range

• Native Range: Australia – widespread across inland river systems and floodplains

• Companionship: Suitable with hardy, drought-tolerant understory species such as Acacia, Myoporum, and native grasses; avoid planting near water-demanding crops due to strong root competition

• Invasive Range: Considered invasive in parts of the Mediterranean, Middle East, Africa, and the Americas due to aggressive growth and high water uptake

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 8–11

• Minimum Chill Hours Required: None

Resistance/Tolerance

• Poor Soil: High tolerance – thrives even in nutrient-poor soils

• Drought: High tolerance once established

• Shade: Low tolerance – prefers full sun

• Flood: High tolerance – adapted to periodic flooding in native habitat

• Wind: High tolerance

• Maritime: High tolerance – tolerates salt and coastal exposure

• Air Pollution: High tolerance

• Fire: High tolerance – resprouts vigorously after fire; however, shedding bark and oily leaf litter increase fire risk in the landscape.

Thriving Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun

• Soil Moisture: Adaptable; tolerates dry conditions but thrives with periodic moisture

• Soil Type: Prefers loamy or sandy soils; tolerates clay if drainage is adequate

• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to alkaline

Propagation

• Seeds: Primary propagation method; seeds germinate easily without pretreatment

• Cuttings: Difficult; limited success with juvenile wood

Eucalyptus camaldulensis | Functional Uses and Benefits

Permalogica cannot take any responsibility for any adverse reactions or health effects from using plants. Always consult a professional before using plants for medicinal purposes.

Edible: Not considered edible

Medicinal: Leaves used traditionally for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and respiratory remedies; essential oils used in cough and cold treatments

Cosmetics: Essential oils used in soaps, balms, and aromatherapy

Animal Feed: Not recommended for fodder

Fiber: Used for pulp and paper production

Timber: Durable hardwood used for construction, furniture, posts, and flooring

Firewood: Yes – excellent firewood; burns hot and long

Wind Break: Effective as a tall windbreak in dry and semi-arid regions

Fence: Can be used for living fences or coppiced barriers

Cover Crop: No

Mulch: Leaves decompose slowly and contain allelopathic compounds; use cautiously

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Dynamic Accumulator: Not enough data

Pollinator Attractor: Flowers attract bees, insects, and nectar-feeding birds

Pest Repellent: Essential oils have insect-repelling properties

Wildlife Supporter: Provides habitat for birds, insects, and some mammals; valued in riparian ecosystems

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