The Myth of the Eucalyptus - Israeli Hero or Dangerous Invader? The Eucalyptus Teaches Us a Lesson in Complexity

There are many types of heroes in Israeli heritage and tradition but it seems that in the world of plants it’s hard to find a rival to the myth attributed to the Eucalyptus. In the past, when the country was full of swamps, the Eucalyptus was brought to drain them. The Zionist narrative relates that draining the swamps saved many lives by reducing the impact of malaria, a plague that threatened the Zionist settlement scheme in its early days, and settlement became possible in a variety of locations.
But what happens when years after it becomes a national hero the Eucalyptus is classified as an invasive species?

What is an invasive species?

According to the definition of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA), invasive species are plants or animals that have moved beyond their natural distribution due to human activity, and spread and established in their new habitat. These species have a significant, destructive impact on humans and natural ecosystems while pushing out local species and their habitats and damaging them.

The attitude towards the Eucalyptus as an invasive species stirred up a veritable storm, which encapsulates some of the challenges and conflicts related to invasive species, as well as attitudes toward them.

Who are you, Eucalyptus camaldulensis?

This species originates from Australia and has a great ability to adapt to new habitats – it can develop on waterlogged soils on one hand, and in arid conditions on the other. Its roots penetrate deep into the soil.

It reproduces by seed and is a focus for bees which take part in its pollination. It needs light and cannot develop in very shady locations. In its native distribution it can live for up to 1000 years.

Invasive species are plants or animals that have moved beyond their natural distribution due to human activity, and spread and established in their new habitat. These species have a significant, destructive impact on humans and natural ecosystems

Workers with hoes during the draining of Kebara swamp.

Good? / Bad? / Doesn’t matter?

According to the Eucalyptus myth we can learn that it is not native, was brought to Israel from Australia, and took part in settling the land through gardening and forestry. From 1890 it was planted by Jewish settlers in swampy areas including the regions of Hadera, Rosh Pina and Petach Tikva. During the 20^th century it became the second-most planted tree (after the pine, of course) in Israel, first by the British Mandate, and then by Keren Kayemeth Le’Israel.

Its alien origin, very rapid growth rate (it can reach 8 meters within a few years), high reproductive potential, and the concern that the tree seeds itself

We do not protect nature in a hermetic box. It is managed to achieve a range of targets, while taking into account the range of often contradictory considerations.

mainly along river courses and aquatic habitats, as well as its impact on the environment (its fallen leaves prevent the germination of other plants, a phenomenon called allelopathy), have led to the Eucalyptus being classified as an invasive species that impacts nature conservation in Israel (included in the Red Book of Invasive Species, 2011).

Alongside the concerns and threats, the Eucalyptus has great value. It’s deeply rooted in the Israeli narrative and strongly connected to the Israeli landscape and experience. It provides shade and is conspicuous and provides forage for bees (which are themselves endangered), thus contributing greatly to pollination and agriculture.

So what do we do?

Intervene sensitively, via study and gradual action.

The understanding that the Eucalyptus behaves differently in an aquatic vs. dry habitats led the Ministry for Environmental Protection and INPA to implement a complex, specific policy according to the potential damage vs. benefit:

In aquatic habitats with clear invasion – the recommendation is to remove existing individuals/trees.
In aquatic habitats without clear invasion – it is suggested to avoid new plantings, and to uproot/treat new trees.
In new habitats – no need for intervention
In arid areas far from aquatic habitats but close to farmlands, plantings should be preserved and even encouraged in order to provide forage for bees.

The Eucalyptus teaches us all a small lesson in nature management in complex Mediterranean landscapes.

We do not protect nature in a hermetic box. It is managed to achieve a range of targets, while taking into account the range of often contradictory considerations. In this light, our role is to find compromises and balances and manage these small landscapes that have been entrusted to us sensitively and professionally, while taking into account both nature and humans.

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