Eucalypts for the Production of Pulpwood in New Zealand

Authors: J.E. Henry
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1954, Issue N.Z.J.For. 7(4) 1957, pp 68-72, Jan 1957
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

Abstract: The wood pulp industry in New Zealand is dependent on large monocultures of Pinus radiata D. Don. Pathologically this is undesirable and usually Pseudotsuga taxifolia (Poiret) Britt. is suggested as an alternative species. The author considers that broadleafed trees should be used and that poplars and eucalypts are possibilities. Hybrid poplars have been developed overseas for Northern Hemisphere conditions and experimental plantings only could be recommended at this stage. On the other hand eucalypts have been grown successfully here and much is known in Australia about their pulping qualities. The species that are used commercially are listed and from this list those suitable for pumice country have been selected. These are Eucalyptus fastigata Deane and Maiden, E. gigantea Hook f, E. regnans F. Muell., E. sieberiana F. Muell., E. goniocalyx F. Muell., E. nitens Maiden, E. viminalis Labill, E. lindleyana DC, and E. radiata Sieb. Climatic conditions under which these species grow in Australia are compared with records of Tokoroa and Kaingaroa Forest. The need for careful selection of seed and for the correct naming of species is stressed and the advantages of having short fibred pulp to mix with long fibred P. radiata pulp is pointed out.