The battle over California’s eucalyptus trees

The invasive plant increases the fire hazard in urban and rural areas

Eucalyptus fire wildfire
One in a series of The Guardian graphics about the hazards of eucalyptus trees in a fire prone environment.

Many areas around the world have imported eucalyptus trees in order to harvest the wood, leaves, and oil in order to make paper and medicine. But wildfires burn rapidly under the trees and through the crowns, fed by the stringy bark, oil, and the leaves and forest litter on the ground that do not decompose.

In California they have also been imported and planted for esthetic purposes. But this invasive species brought many problems with it.

The Guardian has a unique illustrated story about this controversial plant. Check it out here.

Articles on Wildfire Today tagged “eucalyptus“.

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.