Eucalyptus saligna aka Blue Gum

Eucalyptus saligna is also known as Sydney blue gum. It belongs to the myrtle family and keeps its leaves year-round. This tree comes from eastern Australia. Its range includes Queensland and New South Wales. It grows in wet forests, on slopes and in fertile valleys. Its native sites range from the coast to upland areas. It grows fast and forms a large tree. People grow it for timber and as an ornamental tree.

The reported height range is 98–164 feet [30–50 metres]. A separate profile entry gives 131 feet [40 metres]. Rare trees reach 213 feet [65 metres]. The crown spreads out, with an open, uneven shape. The straight trunk often has no branches on its lower half. Some trunks stay bare for two-thirds of the tree's height. Trunks can reach about 6.6 feet [2 metres] across. The bark peels. Bees and other insects carry pollen between its flowers. Its fruit takes the form of seed capsules.

The tree prefers warm temperate or subtropical climates. It suits mild dry seasons that last under four months. Growers also raise it on mountain plantations in the tropics. Native sites get about 800–1,270 millimetres of rain each year. Trees also grow in much wetter sites in the tropics. Some highland trees have faced cold as low as −15°C. This does not show that every planted tree can withstand frost. Its wet-forest home suggests that it prefers moist ground.

In Australia, people use the hardwood for a range of purposes. They also collect tannins from bark and oil from leaves. The oil can kill several kinds of household pests. The trunk yields kino, a red, resin-like substance rich in tannins. People use it to tan hides and treat natural fibres. It also provides dye and can form an ink. Past uses as medicine include mouth rinses and skin washes. People use these washes for skin problems. The source reports no known food uses or hazards. This does not mean the plant is safe to eat.

Growers can raise new trees from seeds. Sow them on the surface and keep the compost moist. The reported germination rate is only 20–25 percent. Move young seedlings into their own pots. Older seedlings may not grow well after a move. The source notes that the tree could become a weed. It gives no rating for how severe this risk is. It gives no account of pests or diseases specific to this species.