Plant Post 1 ; Eucalyptus alba.

I took this photo on my phone on the way home from my mechanic.

The trees lining the road are a type of Gum tree, the white gum tree (common name) or Eucalyptus alba! (scientific name!) 

These trees were introduced to my area near the end of the colonisation era, in the 1870s!

They were planted along routes that farmers and traders would frequent to help them in the blistering summers we have here, and still serve their purpose well.

unfortunately, it is not a native species to South Africa, and is a danger to other native species it grows near. This is because they are a very "thirsty" plant. They take in water much faster than other species, as well as taking in much more while their at it, leaving our native plants at risk of dying out. 

These trees grow to heights around 18 metres tall, and even 15 metres wide.

You mostly find them higher up on ridges, or in poor soil. They grow almost anywhere you plant them, though.

They can flower in the months of August until November, producing small "fruits" that seem to be more like a nut than a fruit.

Overall, they're a less talked about plant when it comes to ones in my area, and Im glad I decided to make a post about them!