Re: Eucalyptus Questions
----- Original Message -----
From: Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
To: Mediterannean Plants List <medit-plants@ucdavis.edu>
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2001 4:59 AM
Subject: Re: Eucalyptus Questions
>
> As to gum leaves as mulch, I am sure the Australian contributors could
> tell us if they are universally safe or whether there are some species
> on which they should not be used or some gums which are less benign of
> leaf than others.
Moira, I'm not aware of any particular eucalypt which has non-benign leaves
for compost. The sugar-gum [Euc cladocalyx] has young shoots and leaves
which are poisonous to stock, but not to other plants!
>
> And apropos of walnut leaves and twigs, while they can be lethal when
> fresh, it seems once they are composted the juglone rapidly breaks down
> rendering them safe.
That info about the toxic effects of root remnants was very interesting.
It's not a possibility that I'd considered before, except with respect to
roses.
Margaret.
Margaret River
Western Australia.
