NATIONAL EUCALYPT DAY & BEES: Tuesday 23 March, 2021
National Eucalypt Day (NED) was once again be organised by Eucalypt Australia on March 23, 2021. The day aimed to raise awareness of the importance of eucalypts and to celebrate the place they hold in the lives and hearts of Australians.
All beekeepers would be aware of how important a food source Eucalypts are for their bees, and the devasting impact of fires on these resources. The 2004 report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, titled ‘Floral Resources used by the South Australian Apiary Industry’ provides a list of the eucalypts most commonly accessed by SA beekeepers at the time. The top 10 species are listed (in order) below.
| Species (Botanical Name) | Species (Common Names) |
|---|---|
| Eucalyptus diversifolia | Blue Mallee, Stony Mallee, Coastal Mallee, WhiteMallee, Soap Mallee, Winter Mallee |
| Eucalyptus leucoxylon | SA Blue Gum |
| Eucalyptus camaldulensis | Red Gum, River Gum |
| Eucalyptus cladocalyx | Sugar Gum |
| Eucalyptus cosmophylla | Cup Gum |
| Eucalyptus incrassata | Big Cup Mallee |
| Eucalyptus fasciculosa | Pink Gum, Hill Gum |
| Eucalyptus socialis | Red Mallee, Christmas Mallee |
| Eucalyptus gracilis | Yorrell, White Mallee |
| Eucalyptus obliqua | Messmate Stringybark |
The SAAA is currently negotiating with Trees for Life, the CMV Foundation and the SA Agricultural Teachers’ Association to develop a long-term collaborative project to encourage the planting of more eucalypts for bee food across the state. More information will be provided to members once it comes to hand via email and future editions of The Buzz. In the meantime, members might like to think about planting some eucalypts on their own properties, and/or encouraging host farmers to do likewise. Please send photos of plantings throughout the year to the SAAA Secretary for publishing on this page and in The Buzz.
Detailed information on which eucalypts are the most suitable for planting in each SA region and those that are particularly good for bees and habitat, can be found on the Trees for Life website treesforlife.org.au/tree-scheme-zones. Fire-affected beekeepers should also note that a 50% subsidy may be available for the purchase of trees for revegetation purposes through Trees for Life.
Eucalypt Australia
Eucalypt Australia is a grant-making Charitable Trust that focuses on eucalypts, an Australian icon and a significant aspect of Australia’s natural environment and biodiversity. We envisage a public inspired by and appreciative of eucalypts. www.eucalyptaustralia.org.au