Ag-Network-Chile

EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS (Labill ssp. globulus)
"TASMANIAN BLUE GUM"

The species Eucalyptus globulus belongs to the Class Angiospermes, Sub-class Dicotyledons and to the Myrtle (Mirtacae) Family. Under normal conditions, it can grow to a height of 45 to 60 meters. Normally, the trees are straight and well-formed, showing a clean stem up to about two thirds of their total height.

The tree is native to Australia , occurring naturally in South East Tasmania, the Bass Straight Islands , and along the southern coast of the State of Victoria , Annual rainfall in these regions averages between 500 and 1400 millimeters. In summer, the temperature reaches a maximum of 19° Centigrade in winter, a minimum of 3.61° Centigrade.

Due to its rapid growth and availability, it is cultivated in large plantations in Portugal , Spain , South Africa and most Latin American countries.

In Chile , it can be found throughout the Central and Southern regions. Currently, forests cover approximately 170,000 hectares.

The wood is mainly used to manufacture pulp and paper, but also to produce indoor and outdoor paneling, flooring, furniture, boards, veneers, posts and fuel wood.

Most of Chile 's Eucalyptus plantations (90%) are of Eucalyptus globulus Labill., an Australian species that grows quite well in some parts of the country. While the best plantations are located near the coastal city of Concepcion, in the VI ll t h Region, situated in the nation's mid-southern section, where it is not unusual to find 20-year-old Eucalyptuses that are 60 meters high and 50 centimeters in diameter, they thrive from Copiapo in the II Ird Region down to the island of Chiloe, in the X t h Region. Between these two points, soils and climates vary widely, which demonstrates this species' extraordinary adaptability. This factor, together with the tree's high growth rate and strong market demand, assures it a promising future for development in the country.

Chile'sEucalyptusplantationsmainlyprovidewoodforpulpproductionandforfuel. Increasingly, the wood is also being used to manufacture parquet flooring, veneers, moldings, furniture, and in general, high added-value products.

Eucalyptus wood has a soft yellowish-brown color and pronounced growth rings. From the tree's leaves, essential oils are extracted that are mainly exported.

Currently, Chile has more than 390,000 hectares of Eucalyptus plantations.