The eucalyptus is best known for its bluish shimmering leaves and its unmistakable smell of essential oils. Many people also immediately associate koalas, which sit in the crown and gnaw on the branches, with the deciduous tree. However, many people ignore the roots of the plant. It's really worth taking a look underground. On the one hand, the root depth provides information about correct cultivation, and on the other hand, the roots of the eucalyptus have interesting characteristics.
How deep are the roots of a eucalyptus tree?
The root depth of the eucalyptus is only 30 centimeters, which means that the tree has little demands on the soil conditions and allows it to thrive almost anywhere. However, this shallow root depth is unusual for a tree that can grow up to 50 meters or even 100 meters tall.
Why is root depth important?
The root depth of a tree determines
- whether you can cultivate the plant in a bucket.
- which plants should be considered as underplanting.
- which soil condition should prevail.
- whether the tree reaches the groundwater or whether you need to water it more often.
- whether the roots grow downwards or spread out.
- whether a tree can be transplanted easily or under difficult conditions.
Unusual size ratio
Under good conditions, a eucalyptus can reach a height of up to 50 meters. The giant eucalyptus, which is considered the largest hardwood tree in the world, even reaches a height of almost a hundred meters. In order for a tree of such size to be able to provide itself with sufficient nutrients, it usually has a deep, extensive root system. However, the roots of the eucalyptus only reach 30 centimeters into the ground.
The eucalyptus as a pioneer tree
With its comparatively shallow rooting depth, the eucalyptus places few demands on the soil conditions. This means that the deciduous tree thrives in almost every location. What is a great advantage for the eucalyptus has a negative effect on the rest of the vegetation. The tree displaces numerous species that depend on certain conditions.
The root system as a survival strategy
The eucalyptus originally comes from Australia or Tasmania. Warm temperatures prevail in these regions, which is why forest fires are not uncommon. Nevertheless, a eucalyptus stand recovers quickly even after total devastation by fire. The reason is the so-called lignotuber, a tuber that is genetically anchored in the root system. It contains the tree's genetic information and allows the eucalyptus to grow again. The fertile ash soil and the lack of competition play their part.