E. grandis - Maree

Of all the wonders of nature, a tree in summer
is perhaps the most remarkable; with the possible
exception of a moose singing "Embraceable You" in spats.
- Woody Allen

Blue gum tree (Eucalyptus) on our property in Tarlton, Gauteng, South Africa.

Summer is in FULL swing with temperatures way up in the late 30°C and early 40°C in parts of the country! Here in Tarlton I've been struggling with the heat at only 31°C, so if I want to do some field sketching, I go out to our blue gum bush early in the morning, about 5am, where I found this lovely tall tree - he's one of the straightest on our property and I just adore him!

Here in S.A., Blue gum trees are popular with bee-keepers for the honey they provide (I just LOVE Bluegum Honey!). However, in South Africa they are considered invasive, with their water-sucking capabilities threatening water supplies. They also release a chemical into the surrounding soil which kills native competitors.

The following Eucalyptus species have become naturalised in South Africa: E. camaldulensis, E. cladocalyx, E. diversicolor, E. grandis and E. lehmannii.