Timber
South Africa is one of the leading countries worldwide in Saw log and pulp production.
The climate on the eastern seaboard of Southern Africa is ideally suited to producing most of the Eucalyptus, Pinus and Acacia species grown commercially for saw log and pulp production. Tree breeding in the form of hybridized clones and 2nd and 3rd generation straight species ensure that the best genetic quality is available in South Africa.
The coastal regions are ideally suited to growing Eucalyptus species with a focus mainly on hybridized Eucalyptus species grown from cuttings. These have better disease resistance and are faster growing than straight species.
Inland from 500M to 1500M above sea level a range of Eucalyptus, Pinus and Acacia species are grown. Species and site selection are crucial when planning.
Some of the more common hybridized clones and straight species grown are as follows.
- GXU (E.grandis x E.urophylla)
- GXN (E.grandis x E.nitens)
- GXC (E.grandis x E.camaldulensis)
- Eucalyptus grandis
- Eucalyptus macarthurii
- Eucalyptus smithii
- Eucalyptus benthamii
- Eucalyptus dunnii
- Eucalyptus nitens
- Acacia mearnsii
- Pinus Patula
- Pinus elliottii
- Pinus greggii
- Pinus taeda
- Pinus radiata
We at Zululand Nurseries have focused mainly on growing straight species and we purchase only the best seed available. Most of the seed purchased is bred and grown by the commercial timber companies in South Africa.
