This common tree has been discovered to be able to filter gold: “they act like natural pumps”

A controversial tree has sparked debate over its environmental impact across several regions of Spain. Its high water consumption and aggressive growth hinder the spread of native flora and exacerbate drought conditions – a problem especially severe in the south and east of the Iberian Peninsula in recent years. The culprit is the eucalyptus, a tree native to Australia that now appears to serve another purpose – a profitable one.

A study published in Nature has found that one of the most widespread tree species in Spain also has the ability to filter gold particles from deep underground. The discovery took place in Kalgoorlie, a dry region of Australia known for its intense mining activity. There, researchers from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) observed that eucalyptus trees – thanks to their deep roots, which can reach down as far as 40 meters – are capable of absorbing minerals from underground water sources, including gold.

“Eucalyptus trees act like natural pumps, drawing up water and minerals from deep below,” said Dr. Melvin Linter, lead author of the Nature study. These tiny metallic particles, while toxic to the tree, are transported through the eucalyptus’s vascular system all the way to the leaves, where they are expelled. Though invisible to the naked eye, traces of gold were detected using X-ray microscopy.

A new role for a divisive tree

In Spain, eucalyptus has long been the subject of heated debate, particularly in the humid northern regions of Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria, due to its rapid spread and damaging effect on local ecosystems. But this new discovery could reshape how the tree is viewed, potentially turning it into a natural sensor for mineral deposits.

Unlike traditional mining prospecting methods, using eucalyptus trees as “gold trackers” requires no digging, felling, or habitat disturbance. All that’s needed is to analyze fallen leaves for clues about what lies beneath the surface. According to the study, this method could be combined with technologies such as drones, satellites and spectral analysis to map areas with mining potential in a way that is more ecological, precise and cost-effective.

Not every eucalyptus tree grows above gold deposits, but their presence could indicate geologically interesting areas. It’s a promising step toward a less invasive, more environmentally conscious approach to mineral exploration.

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