Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum)

Recorded by Colette Copeland in the village of Huaran in the Sacred Valley, Cusco, Peru, at 8:30am, 22 March, 2026. A Eucalyptus forest surrounds the rural road that runs along the Huaran River. It is a road I walked daily during my month-long residency in Huaran. I often witnessed pigs, horses and sheep feeding in the green areas between the river and the road. Copious amounts of wildflowers bloomed. The trees are managed through cutting and pruning. I chose this particular tree due to its size and ability to grow so close to the edge of the road. I placed the Zoom recorder about 4 feet high directly in the part of the trunk that branched off into three sub-trunks/trees. In the background is the sound of the river, as well as a few cars and people walking. Birds heard include: Rufous-collared sparrow, White-bellied hummingbird, and Sparkling violetear.

The tree is considered an invasive species.

Looking up the trunk of the tree to the canopy of the Tasmanian blue gum in Peru. Image: Colette Copeland

Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Bum) is a fast-growing, tall evergreen tree, often reaching 100-150 feet, but capable of growing to 300 feet in ideal conditions. The bark is light tan and sheds in strips. The juvenile leaves are covered in a whiteish powdery bloom, and the adult leaves are long and green. Flowers are white and solitary with lots of nectar.

The species was brought to the Peruvian highlands in the latter half of the 19th century primarily as an ornamental tree. In the 1960s, it was planted and promoted to help the local economy for firewood, timber and erosion control. It is also used for windbreaks and reforestation.

The tree is considered an invasive species. Due to its rapid growth, it draws large amounts of water and soil nutrients. Leaves contain compounds that are toxic to many plants and animals. E. globulus is the source of eucalyptus oil, used as an antiseptic to treat coughs, cold and respiratory conditions.