Eucalypt in the Tunisian arid region: Diversity and valorization for honey production

Abstract

For four years (2016 - 2019), we studied Eucalyptus in the arid region of Tunisia. This tree is frequently introduced in the region from the sixties of the twentieth century, with the installation of three arboreta in 1959/1960 and several plantations; these arboreta are the only ones planted in the arid region. Fifteen species and one hybrid have been identified, with a very variable presence, the most dominant species are: E. camaldulensis, E. torquate, E. microtheca, E. occidentalis and E. gomphocephala. In 2017 and 2018, each month, we have followed the flowering of all Eucalyptus species, identified those that have an importance and abundance of flowering, and qualified as interesting in beekeeping. These are: E. camaldulensis, E. torquata, E. microtheca, E. occidentalis, E. oleosa, E. diversifolia, E. flocktoniae and E. torwood (hybrid). Besides, other species are present and show no interest for beekeepers, mainly E. gracilis, E. astringens, E. brockwayii and E. gomphocephala, the latter is very common in Mediterranean region, Tunisia and the area of this study (Gabes).