Family: Myrtaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Eucalyptus tereticornis (forest red gum) is native to eastern Australia, where it thrives in a variety of climates from coastal areas to upland forests. This fast-growing tree can reach impressive heights of up to 50 meters and features smooth, pale bark that often sheds in strips, revealing a reddish-brown trunk beneath. Its lance-shaped leaves are glossy green, and it produces clusters of small white flowers that attract pollinators. The species is valued for its timber, which is used in construction, furniture, and paper production, and it is also planted for shade, windbreaks, and reforestation projects.

Risks & Threats
In Hawaii, Eucalyptus tereticornis is considered naturalized on Kaua’i and Maui. It is currently assessed as low risk because it does not aggressively spread or significantly displace native vegetation. However, like many eucalyptus species, it produces large amounts of leaf litter that can increase fire risk under dry conditions, so care should be taken when planting near flammable areas. Overall, it is generally safe for controlled planting in urban or managed landscapes.

High Risk Traits:

• Extremely broad climate and soil tolerance
  
• Extensively introduced worldwide for forestry
  
• Unpalatable to grazing animals
  
• Self-compatible; produces viable seed
  
• Wind-dispersed, prolific seed production
  
• Coppices and is fire-resistant

Low Risk Traits:

• Not documented as a serious weed
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Shade intolerant
  
• No vegetative spread
  
• No specialized pollinators required
  
• Controlled by herbicides