to the conical, lid-like covering of the buds which falls off before the flowers 

 open. Most of the eucalypts secrete resinous gums, hence they are commonly 

 known as gum trees. 



Eucalyptus has been established successfully in semitropical and tem- 

 perate regions all over the world. It is frequently planted in the malarial 

 regions of warm climates, as at the Campagna at Rome, to drain the swamps 

 which give rise to malaria, but its greatest value is for ornament, shade, 

 windbreaks and fuel. In Australia it is extensively cut for lumber, but it has 

 not been generally successful in this country for that purpose on account of 

 the checking which takes place in seasoning due to the high water content of 

 the wood. 



Eucalyptus was introduced into California in the early fifties by travelers 

 who were impressed with its rapid development in its native habitat. The first 

 plantations were around San Francisco Bay and in the Santa Clara Valley. 

 About 1865, Mr. Elwood Cooper set out large plantations on his ranch near 

 Santa Barbara. Since that time it has been extensively planted in various 

 parts of the state as ornamental and shade trees. 



It was early found that all species were sensitive to frost although a few 

 species will endure temperatures as low as eighteen degrees Fahrenheit without 

 injury. In general, eucalyptus can be successfully planted in all sections of 

 the state suitable for the culture of citrus fruits. Under favorable conditions 

 the trees reach a large size in a short space of time. 



All species of eucalypts have evergreen leaves, and for this reason are not 

 as desirable for highway planting as deciduous trees, because they hinder the 

 road-bed from drying. In addition, the strong development of the roots im- 

 pairs the fertility of adjoining land. For this reason many rows of eucalyptus 

 trees bordering citrus groves in southern California have been cut down. 

 There are many locations, however, where the eucalypts find favor in spite of 

 these objections because of the fine effect which they give, and because of 

 their value for fuel. Many of the eucalypts sprout prolifically when cut and 

 produce firewood at a rapid rate, at the same time providing ornament and 

 shade. 



Because of the many species of eucalypts found in the state, no attempt 

 is being made to consider them all in this publication. Only those are given 

 which appear preferable for shade and ornamental purposes. 



(69) 



