In our search for that perfect wood veneer for wall paneling in a master bedroom, we found this silver Eucalyptus from Exotic Hardwoods. Not only is the product gorgeous, it comes with a fascinating history and bonus dinner party conversation too.
The Eucalyptus tree is native to Australia with over 600 species. Miners returning to California from the Australia Gold Rush likely brought seeds of the Tasmanian Blue Gum (eucalyptus globulus) and other eucalypts with high hopes of striking it rich. They believed this exotic miracle tree could boost the timber and fuel industries, conquer malaria and improve air quality, but as it turned out, of all the species available, they brought home the least workable species. The trees had failed to live up to the many premature claims and hopes.
Today, the Eucalyptus tree is one of the most widely planted, non-native trees in California. Up and down the coast from Humboldt county down to San Diego, you'll find Eucalyptus used as wind screen. These fast-growing trees provide shade that cools the environment and they are also amazing filters to aid in cleaning up the air.
However, because the tree is so fast growing, Eucalyptus are categorized as an invasive species because it spreads and grows very quickly. This invasive species makes it difficult for native plants to survive by shading them out, so in order to manage the species, many are used as firewood. Fortunately for us, Exotic Hardwoods is salvaging the E. Globulus species also known as Blue Gum. Many thanks to them for turning the environments trash into our interior treasures.
The Square offices in San Francisco installed this Eucalyptus wood veneer from Exotic Hardwoods. What a beautiful salvage!
Exotic Hardwoods offers Eucalyptus in a natural finish, colored in a silver finish or fumed black. For more information and fun facts on this product, call Bob Nichols of Exotic Hardwoods.