Adult E.

globulus trees are pollinated by humming birds, and seeds are ready for
dispersal within two months. Within a thirty day period the seeds germinate, and begin to
develop. The Eucalyptus. globulus is a deciduous tree, which can quickly grow into a hundred
foot mature adult tree. Within the first few months of an established or planted Tasmanian blue
gum, the tree will begin to sprout from its developed roots. During age 4 to 5 the seed sets begin
to develop, the seeds are small and develop in sets of a couple hundred.
Some Bluegums, sprout from their developed boles, stems, and lignotubers. However in
the youth stages, when the tree is in its first 5 to 10 years of growth, much of the tree growth
takes place. Around 60% of tree growth occurs during this transitional period, up until the tenth
year of growth (Skolmen 299-304). Growing in dense monocultures, the Bluegum creates a halo
around its base to stop other organisms from growing near it, only hardy grasses are able to take
root in the soil around a Bluegum.
E. globulus leaves develop within the first few years of growth, but are not completely abundant
until age 6 or 7. The leaves are sclerophyllous, which is an adaptation to dry seasons making the
leaves hard and waxy in texture in order to decrease the unnecessary loss of moisture. The
Bluegums leaves vary in size, reaching lenghths from 4 to 11 inches. Flower clusters develop
within envelopes from the bracteoles, which is a leave structure. Mature Tasmanian blue gums,
produces roots that can develop throughout the soil profile. Older Bluegums are known for their
very long root systems, which run very deep into the surface.
Evolutionary History:
Due to disturbances such as fire, the Bluegum has evolved to protect against fire. The
eucalyptus is highly flammable and epiphytes that populates the tree allow for crown fires to

occur. With fires being spread up to the canopies, the E. globulus is practically destroyed.
However, the Bluegum has developed and adapted to survive this disaster. Some adaptions
include seedbanking, sprouting, and heat-resistant seed capsules (Ashton 339). As fire reaches
the crown of the Bluegum tree, the seed capsules protect the seeds from heat penetration for four
minutes.
Bibliography:
Ashton, D. H. 1981. Fire in tall open-forests (wet sclerophyll forests).
In: Gill, A. M.; Groves, R. H.; Noble, I. R., eds. Fire and the
Australian biota. Canberra City, ACT: The Australian Academy of Science:
339-366.
Esser, Lora L. 1993. Eucalyptus globulus. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online].
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service,
Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer).
Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2014, December 12].
Skolmen, Roger G.; Ledig, F. Thomas. 1990. Eucalyptus globulus Labill.
bluegum eucalyptus. In: Burns, Russell M.; Honkala, Barbara H.,
technical coordinators. Silvics of North America: Vol. 2, Hardwoods.
Agriculture Handbook 654. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service: 299-304.