Family: Myrtaceae

Eucalyptus nitens (shining gum, silver top) is a tall tree native to Victoria, Australia and eastern New South Wales. In Tasmania, Eucalyptus nitens is one of the most important plantation tree species, and was an important producer of paper pulp before the closure of the mills in the area. In Canterbury, as well as other cooler regions in New Zealand, Eucalyptus nitens yields significant quantities of sawlog-sized stems within relatively brief rotation periods. This plant has been naturalized in New Zealand, but has not been documented as naturalized in any Hawaiian Islands to date.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in New Zealand, and possibly elsewhere (but not in the Hawaiian Islands to date)
  
• Other Eucalyptus species are invasive
  
• Leaf leachates may be toxic to aquatic wildlife and possibly humans
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Forms small, pure stands within native range
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Hybridizes with other Eucalyptus species
  
• Capable of selfing (with reduced seed set)
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind and intentionally by people
  
• Coppices after cutting, but reported to be killed by fire

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite naturalization, no negative impacts described from introduced range
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• May be browsed by animals
  
• Thrives in full sun (dense shade may limit ability to establish and spread)
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Limited seed set
  
• Forms a short-lived seed bank