Elizabeth Barrette (ysabetwordsmith) wrote,
Elizabeth Barrette
ysabetwordsmith

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Genetically Engineered Eucalyptus

Apparently people haven't learned the lesson "Do not introduce foreign species" from dandelions, kudzu, killer bees, etc.  Now they're introducing genetically engineered eucalyptus to northern Florida.  The gengineering was done to make the trees frost-resistant.  In other words, they removed the primary safety catch that prevents the trees from spreading.  Not a good idea.
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  • 42 comments
They're trying to attract bigger contracts from paper and mulch companies.

I don't think they've stopped to consider the ecological context or the impact of eucalyptus oil. Koala bears are almost the only critter that CAN eat eucalyptus, along with a few well-adapted insect pests. The oil repels most herbivores and insects; even in Australia, not much eats that plant. Not much grows near it, either; eucalyptus groves tend to suppress many competing plants. Also, the oil is extremely flammable; if the trees catch fire, they can explode. The fallen bark remains flammable because it doesn't break down quickly; the oil discourages fungi.

Eucalyptus has been introduced to many warm areas outside of Australia because it's profitable. But it shows a pattern of becoming an invasive nuisance.
The sad thing is, koalas only happily eat about 6 eucalyptus types out of a few hundred, and probably wouldn't even eat the ones being grown in the USA.

Even koalas don't really love eucalyptus, it turns out, even though it's the only thing they can really eat.

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