ABSTRACT
E. globulus was for many years the most important eucalypt species in Africa but its use declined due to its susceptibility to premature die-back (often drought related) and the attentions of the eucalyptus snout beetle (Gonipterus scutellatus Gyll.), a pest accidentally introduced from Australia. The species is still successful, however, at high elevations in cool, tropical climates such as is found in Ethiopia. The continent’s main commercial species are now E. grandis (often confused with E. saligna) on the more fertile sites, E. camaldulensis in drier regions, E. gomphocephala in the sandy, arid North African countries (e.g. Libya, Morocco and Tunisia) and E. robusta in tropical regions (e.g. Madagascar) (Poynton 1979, FAO 1981).
