Starting with our first Camino in 2013 I have noticed how many eucalyptus trees there are, especially in Galicia. I have fond memories of eucalyptus trees from growing up in Los Angeles. But the people here consider them an invasive species.
But this trip we learned more about this. Eucalyptus is a cash crop in Spain. It is used to make paper. The people don’t like them but do like the money they bring in. An old story.
The photo below shows this clearly. The eucalyptus is in the foreground and another crop in the background. it is like wheat or soybeans.
The crop cycle is longer for eucalyptus. In this photo you see a young crop in the foreground and more mature trees in the background.
