‘BE AL’ RIVER RED GUM Eucalyptus camaldulensis Seeds

Eucalyptus camaldulensis is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m 98ft by 20 m 65ft at a fast rate

The species is hermaphrodite has both male and female organs and is pollinated by Bees
Suitable for: light sandy , medium loamy and heavy clay soils, prefers well drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic alkaline soils and can grow in saline soils

It prefers dry moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought

The creamy white flowers appear in clusters during late spring and early summer They are followed by a small capsule 5 to 8mm across

The durable, termite resistant timber was used for construction of bridges, wharves and used for railway sleepers and fence posts

The river red gum has many traditional uses;

Bush food: River red gum seeds are edible as well as edible grubs that live under the bark The leaves sometimes develop a white scale that can be rolled up and eaten like a lolly In a good season, the flowers also produce a delicious honey

Bush medicine: Its resin can be mixed with water to make an antiseptic solution, burnt bark is traditionally combined with animal fat to create an ointment for burns and mixed with water to treat diarrhoea

Other uses: The tree s wood is used to make bowls to carry food and water