Eucalyptus Resists Bushfires

Function

Eucalyptus leaves produce substances that suppress plant growth. These leaves fall after being exposed to fire, allowing epicormic buds to sprout new leaves. Also, the trunks of eucalyptus trees are fire-resistant. The exterior part of the trunk (the bark) and the interior (cambium) have different levels of fire resistance. The bark is highly flammable and comes off the trunk once it’s ignited, whereas the interior of the plant is more fire-resistant. This prevents fire from reaching the inside of the plant. In this way, the bark sacrifices itself to protect and provide insulation to the cambium, which is essential to the lives of the plants. Also, Eucalyptus roots store nutrients for the epicormic buds, enabling them to continuously grow and produce new buds after a fire.

Functional Classification

Resouce/Energy/Information Collection & Storage:
Uses light energy
Defense/Stability:
Fire resistance

Environmental Solution Classification

Related Literature

Technical Application

Products and Services

Type of Business

Proposals of Applied Technology

The fire-resistance of eucalyptus trees can be applied to the development of the new fire alarms can detect fire in various stages, as well as fire extinguishers generated by use of fire energy.

Proposals of Applied Industry

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