Planting of Eucalyptus Shows Promise In the Southern Rio Grande Valley
In the next 30 years, needs for wood and wood fiber in Texas are expected to double or even triple (1). Eucalypts, known rapid producers of wood and cellulose fiber, were therefore selected for experimental introduction in the southern Rio Grande Valley with a view toward replacing the uneconomic native dwarf oaks and mesquite. Eucalypt species selected for planting were Eucalyptus x (cadambae), and E. grandis (Hill.) Maiden, seed origin India, and E. citriodora Hook, seed origin Australia. E. x (cadambae) has been cultivated for paper and rayon pulp in India; grandis has been extensively used by the paper industry in South Africa; and citriodora (apart from being suitable for cellulose fiber and lumber) is the world's major source of citronella oil (found in its leaves). Brazil now enjoys world monopoly for this oil, with over 6 million trees under cultivation producing 15,000 lbs. of oil annually.
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Author(s): K. Kadambi
Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 22, Number 4 (1971)
Volume: 22
Number: 4