Why can some Eucalyptus plants regrow after fire or drought?

Some Eucalyptus plants are able to regrow after fire or drought due to specialized adaptations that allow them to survive and recover from environmental stress.

• Lignotubers: Many Eucalyptus species possess lignotubers, which are large, woody, rounded outgrowths located at the base of the young tree trunk. These organs contain a mass of vegetative buds and associated vascular tissue, along with substantial food reserves. If the top of a seedling is destroyed by fire, drought, or grazing, the plant can vigorously renew its growth by developing new shoots from these lignotubers.1
• Protected Buds: Some Eucalyptus species have specialized buds that are protected under the bark of their trunks. When the trees are damaged by fire, these buds can emerge to produce new leaves and branches.2
• Tall Crowns: Many Eucalyptus species employ a strategy of maintaining a tall crown with few to no lower branches. By keeping their leaves and vital growth tissues far above the reach of most flames, these trees can often survive a fire with only minor damage to their trunks.2