Mahogany and Eucalyptus Trees
Eucalyptus
The eucalyptus is a world
traveler. It has been successfully grown on most every continent. Its fast
growth, size, and beauty are attractive features persuading the interested to
plant seed. It grows best in environmental conditions similar to those in its
native habitat which is generally semi-tropical to semi-arid. Eucalyptus, member
of the Myrtaceae family, are most commonly found in Australia.
Eucalypts can either have a smooth or a rough bark. The adult leaves tend
to be in sickled in shape and contain glands that possess oils. Eucalypts are
known for the operculum. In fact that is how they got the name (eu for well and
calyptos for covered). Eucalypts can be used for furniture, paper production,
fuel, and oil extraction.. This exotic tree species is grown in populations on a
25 yr rotation. Harvests of eucalyptus yield 500 m3/ha due to it rapid growth
rate. Over a 25 yr rotation, it averages 20 m3/ha/year.
Information on Eucalypts found:
http://farrer.riv.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/eucalypts.html#intro
www.anbg.gov.au/projects/eucalypts/eucalypts.introduction.html
Mahogany
This tropical timber tree of the
family Meliaceae, especially the genus Swietinia is valued for it's hard
yellowish- to reddish-brown wood. Mahogany is commonly found in most parts of
the world. In full or partial shade, and in a variety of soils (clay, sand,
acidic, wet, well- drained), Mahogany can grow up to 150 feet. Mahogany’s
strong texture, exotic color, and stability allows it to be an excellent wood
for furniture production. This native tree is grown in small, strip clear cuts
(50 m x 200 m) on a 100 yr rotation, mahogany yields 500 m3/ha ( an average of 5
m3/ha/year. Occasionally, mahogany is grown on a longer rotation of 200 yrs.
Growth averages a bit less at this rate, 4 m3/ha/year making the yield after 200
yr, 800 m3/ha/yr.
Information on Mahogany found:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ST608