Tiny Tuesday

This is about 2 cms long and is the developing seed capsule from a eucalyptus tree. Last Wednesday near Monchique in Portugal, we walked among hills where people were trying to subsist on tiny plots growing vegetables, oranges and lemons. But now they are having massive problems with encroaching Eucalyptus Globulus (Blue Gum) forests and attempts to prevent further spread are difficult especially as it is illegal to burn the trees and they can easily regenerate after being cut down.

Originally the trees were planted in an effort to combat devastating erosion and then for use as pulp for making paper.  However the vast plantations have crippled village economies by lowering the water table with their long penetrating roots and invading the local land displacing the indigenous plants which had brought in an income.  Insects are unable to eat the eucalyptus so there are no birds and very little fauna (and no Koala bears!)

Eucalyptus oil is popularly used for helping with respiratory and muscular problems and within its native areas of growth the trees are an asset, but like many introduced species, the Eucalyptus can cause unforeseen economical problems elsewhere.