Manna gum
Manna gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) is a very fast-growing Eucalyptus preferring 800 mm+ of rainfall annually and light to medium-textured soils that are free draining.
Table 1: General characteristics for manna gum
Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
Botanical name | Eucalyptus viminalis |
Growth rate in preferred conditions | Very fast |
Estimated rotation length (yr) in preferred conditions to produce 60 cm diameter at breast height | 20–30 |
Preferred annual rainfall (mm/yr) | 800+ |
Minimum rainfall (mm/yr) | 700 |
Preferred elevation (m) asl | 0–700 |
Preferred landscape position | Lower slopes and valley positions |
Preferred Soil | Light to medium textured soils that are free draining |
Prohibitive soil | Wet/heavy clay |
Poor drainage tolerance | Moderate |
Dry site tolerance | Moderate |
Frost tolerance | High |
Pest and disease problems: | Eucalyptus weevil, Christmas beetle, sawfly larvae. |
Table 2: Timber characteristics for manna gum
Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
Strength: seasoned timber only | SD4: moderate |
Durability: in ground | above ground | 4 | 3 |
Drying: green to 12% moisture content | Difficult to dry without considerable degrade. Quartersawing followed by slow drying regime required. Shrinkage about 6% radial and 12% tangential. |
Main commercial products | Panelling, internal flooring, building framing, interior joinery, tool handles. |
Bushfire resistance: measured by bushfire attack level (BAL) | BAL 12.5 and 19 – All AS3959 required applications |
Least attractive features | Drying difficulties limit availability. Sapwood susceptible to lyctid borer. |
Most attractive features | Fast growth, on a wide range of sites where rainfall >700 mm/yr. Easy timber to work. |
Status as a plantation species in Gippsland | Often included in trials and usually performs well. However, its poor sawing performance and durability mean that other species are preferred. |
Note: Timber characteristics and durability are based on Australian Standard: Timber Natural durability ratings (AS 5604–2005). Refer to the Appendix for an explanatory table. Where (?) applied, rating is based on field experience.
Note: Bushfire resistance measurement is based on naturally bushfire resisting timbers, which are those with inherent bushfire-resisting properties. For more information refer to Australian Standard 3959:2018.
Assumptions and notes
- Sites considered for planting contain at least one metre of soil above an impeding layer (e.g., bedrock or layer impenetrable to roots).
- Please note that most (if not all) eucalypts in Gippsland grow best on sheltered sites.
- Overall slow drying time across air and kiln-dried schedules is recommended to minimise drying degrade. This is the best starting point for inexperienced operators.
References
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Carnegie AJ (2002). Field guide to common pests and diseases in eucalypt plantations in NSW. Research and Development Division of State Forests, NSW.
Clarke B, McLeod I and Vercoe T (eds) 2009. Trees for farm forestry: 22 promising species. RIRDC Publication No. 09/015. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.
https://www.nzffa.org.nz/farm-forestry-model/species-selection-tool/species/cypress/macrocarpa/
https://www.nzffa.org.nz/system/assets/2056/Eucalypt_Information_Note_1_-_Choosing_eucalypts.pdf
https://www.nzffa.org.nz/farm-forestry-model/species-selection-tool/species/redwood/coast-redwood/
Mortimer J (2003). A selection of alternative timbers. Taitua Books, NZ.
National Association of Forest Industries (2004). Timber species and properties, revised edition. Timber Manual Datafile P1
Nicholas ID, Gifford HH and Kimberely MO (1997). Siting black walnut. FRI Bulletin no. 188
Phillips C (1996). Insects, diseases and deficiencies associated with eucalypts in South Australia. Primary Industries SA Forests.
Poole B, Waugh G and Yang JL (2017). Potential for growing and processing durable eucalypts in New Zealand. Publication No. SWP-T036. Solid Wood Innovation. Specialty Wood Products Research Partnership.
Reid R (2017). Heartwood. The art and science of growing trees for conservation and profit. Melbourne Books.
Tepper CJ (2002). Plantation eucalypt species for solid wood products – a profile of Eucalyptus muelleriana. Gottstein Fellowship Report for the Gottstein Memorial Trust
Tepper CJ (2008). Site Matching and Establishing Eucalypt Sawlog Species in Southern Australia. In Beadle CL and Brown AG (eds) 2008. Plantation eucalypts for high value timber. RIRDC Publication No. 08/113, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.