Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees require a lot of water to survive, the roots soak up most of the water wherever they are 

planted. This could cause the swamps to become drained if planted in high numbers around FGCU 

(extrinsic concern).  Many insects, especially termites depend on the eucalyptus as a food source, this 

could increase the number of termites on campus, which are not desirable around structures (intrinsic 

concern).  They have a broad pollen spread, which could lead to invasive and detrimental environmental 

effects on the forest present in the area (extrinsic concern).  They are rich in  oils that are flammable, 

raising the concerns for safety on our campus (both intrinsic and extrinsic concerns). 

Another intrinsic concern with the eucalyptus tree is the falling branches.  The trees crop branches unexpectedly, to conserve water that they need during seasons when there is less rain.  This is a concern because they can cause damage because they are dense and  heavy with  resin.  If people are camping under the trees during a drop the weight of the branch could kill someone.

One way to reduce the risks involved with eucalyptus is to have farms that are specifically set up for them.  This would reduce the number of them in the forest while we can still enjoy the benefits from maintaining eucalyptus.  This would create jobs, and have economic impact on the area.

The eucalyptus have a lot to offer, most importantly, the biomass.  With that we could create biofuels and reduce our need for imports.  The oils stored in the leaves can be used medicinally, and are very fragrant.  The jobs that are created from plantations of eucalyptus would extend to the community through the marketing of the products.  the timber can be used for building materials.  Although these are great arguments for the planting of eucalyptus plantations or forests, the fact that the eucalyptus is non-native and will soak up the waters in our wetlands would not be worth the benefits.