Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum)
A hardier alternative species valued for tolerating drier and more saline sites than E. tereticornis, planted where water availability or soil salinity limits other eucalyptus stock.
Quick facts
- Type
- Seed-origin nursery seedling
- Season
- All seasons
- Maturity period
- 6-8 year rotation
- Expected yield
- Moderate; prioritises hardiness over maximum yield
- Suitable soil
- Saline / marginal
- Release
- A naturally occurring species propagated from seed by state forest departments and nurseries for hardy, marginal-site planting
About this variety
Eucalyptus camaldulensis, commonly called River Red Gum, is grown in India as a hardier alternative to E. tereticornis on sites where water availability is limited or soil salinity restricts other eucalyptus stock — including the drier and salt-affected margins of Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat and Rajasthan. It is planted from seed-origin nursery seedlings rather than named clonal material, and while its growth and pulpwood yield are typically more modest than a well-matched clone on ideal land, it remains productive on sites where less hardy stock would fail outright.
Key characteristics
Sowing & cultivation
- Spacing3 x 2 m to 4 x 4 m depending on site and intended use (pulpwood/fuelwood vs poles)
Yield & maturity
Maturity period
6-8 year rotation
Expected yield
Moderate; prioritises hardiness over maximum yield
Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.
Pest & disease considerations
Major diseases
- Generally hardy; still susceptible to gall wasp
Advantages & considerations
Why farmers may choose it
- Tolerates drier conditions and more saline soil than E. tereticornis or most clonal stock
- A dependable option for marginal land that would otherwise sit unplanted
- Widely available as seedling stock from state forest department nurseries in the affected regions
Things to consider
- Growth and pulpwood yield are typically more modest than a well-matched clone on ideal loam soil
- Still susceptible to gall wasp (Leptocybe invasa) like other eucalyptus stock, despite its general hardiness
Suitable regions
States this variety is recommended for — check locally, since a state can have more than one recommended zone.
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
Sourced from: ICAR — Central Agroforestry Research Institute (CAFRI). editorial policy.