Comparative evaluation of the biomass, chemical, and anatomical characteristics for wastewater-irrigated Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Corymbia citriodora

Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Corymbia citriodora are economically valuable trees due to their fast-growth and role in producing wood and raw materials. This study evaluated their anatomical structure, biomass productivity, and wood properties under conditions of wastewater irrigation. These two tree species were grown in the Serapeum plantation forest, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt. Results showed that E. camaldulensis had higher and wider stem and leaf epidermal cells with a thicker cuticular covering layer: 7.88 µm for the stem cuticle and 8.25 µm for the foliar one, compared to 5.78 µm and 6.40 µm for C. citriodora stem and leaf, respectively. C. citriodora had a larger overall stem sector size of 1.75 × 2.13 µm and larger xylem vessels, measuring 40.16 µm in the stem and 26.36 µm in the leaf vascular system. Secretory glands and druses were observed in both stems and leaves. E. camaldulensis had higher biomass characteristics, such as fresh weight of biomass/tree (250.00 kg/tree), dry weight of biomass/tree (120.00 kg/tree), fresh weight of biomass/ha (277.75 ton/ha) and dry weight of biomass/ha (133.32 ton/ha), as well as volume per tree. C. citriodora wood had a higher average density and lower average moisture content. Holocellulose percentage was higher in E. camaldulensis wood, while the lignin and ash content decreased. The study also found a significant difference in chemical parameters between the two species.