Which eucalypt grows best in Ethiopian highlands?

Abstract

Based on four, 5 to 32 years old species trials, the growth potential of Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Eucalyptus saligna Sm., Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maid. and Eucalyptus citriodora Hook. was studied in the Ethiopian highlands. Volume production of E. globulus, E. saligna and E. grandis was comparable over a wide zone (altitude 2200–2600m above sea level, rainfall 1000–1200 mm a −1) in Ethiopia's central plateau whereas E. citriodora was less productive. E. grandis produced most in the moister and lower southern and western areas; the highest mean annual increment measured for it was 60 m 3 ha −1 a −1 at the age of 9.1 years. In a thinned trial all four species developed a two-storey structure after harvest. Combined production of fuelwood (under storey) and transmission poles (upper storey) seems feasible for E. grandis and E. saligna in suitable growing sites. E. citriodora is a potential plantation species for the essential oils industry in the country.