The eucalyptus tree serves a myriad of purposes from the construction of didgeridoos and a source of important antiseptic oils. It is one of the world's most widely planted hardwood tree, and recent research indicates that the eucalyptus tree could also be a great source of fuel and fiber.
The eucalyptus tree is also one of the main food sources for the Koala. It is quite nutritious, but that doesn't mean it should be eaten by humans.
Today, researchers are trying to find out more details about the genetic blueprint of the tree and how it is able to grow so quickly. Furthermore, they want to know how the tree produces large amounts of cellulose, since this could mean a new source of sugar, biofuels and even paper. If the researchers discover that the tree is indeed a viable source of these types of products, eucalyptus farming may see a significant rise in popularity in the coming years.
"Our comparative analysis of the complex traits associated with the Eucalyptus genome and other large perennials offers new opportunities for accelerating breeding cycles for sustainable biomass productivity and optimal wood quality," says Dario Grattapaglia of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA). "In addition, insights into the trees' evolutionary history and adaptation are improving our understanding of their response to environmental change, providing strategies to diminish the negative environmental impacts that threaten many species."
The eucalyptus genus of flowering trees is pretty diverse and it includes over 700 species. However, this type of tree can only be grown in the tropics and temperate zones. In addition, this tree has been around for over tens of millions of years across Australia.
Due to the fiber and wood properties of the eucalyptus and its speedy growth, it is now grown in over 100 countries and six continents across the world. Several of these countries export Eucalyptus wood and other byproducts to countries that are unable to grow the tree. It is already a valuable commodity, and its potential value may rise even more if it is proven the tree can be used for fuel and fiber. It should be interesting to see what researchers come up with after dissecting the genome of the eucalyptus.
