Originating from Australasia, the evergreen eucalyptus trees flourish rapidly and are cherished for their resin, oil, wood, and gum. These trees hail from the Myrtaceae family, often referred to as eucalypts.
With over 700 distinct species, eucalyptus trees boast a myriad of bark textures, leaf forms, and hues. Predominantly found in Australian forests, they’re also cultivated globally.
Characteristically, eucalyptus trees can tower between 9 to 55 meters, emitting a delightful aroma year-round. A fascinating aspect of these trees is their resilience against fires, making them a common sight in Australian woodlands.
Wondering about their fire survival strategy? Each tree houses a dormant shoot deep within its roots, which fire struggles to harm.
Various eucalyptus species are planted across the globe. Notably, the silver dollar tree and the gum tree rank amongst the top favorites.
Spotlight on Some Eucalyptus Types:
1. Lemon-scented Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora): Native to Northern and central Queensland along Australia’s coast, this tree can grow 20-30.5 meters tall. Recognizable by its pale green leaves and a transitioning bark from pale white to grey, it’s named after the lemon aroma its crushed leaves emit.
2. Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus): Found worldwide, it’s a versatile and rapidly-growing tree, flourishing in warm and well-drained soils. The leaves oscillate between green, grey, and a hint of blue.
3. Peppermint Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus dives): Indigenous to southeastern Australia, it gets its name from the peppermint aroma its light green leaves exude. It typically reaches heights between 7.6 to 24.4 m.
Eucalyptus Tidbits:
– Depending on their species, eucalyptus trees can soar from 33 to 200 feet.
– Their lanceolate leaves hang downward to minimize sun exposure and consequent water loss.
– The leaves are oil-rich, offering relief from bronchitis, nasal congestion, and sore throats.
– Only a select few eucalyptus types form the primary diet for koalas.
– Bark hues vary, with the rainbow eucalyptus showcasing a multicolored inner bark.
– These trees are prepared for forest fires with dormant shoots concealed within, activated by heat.
– Dubbed the “gum tree”, eucalyptus secretes a tacky substance when its bark is damaged.
– Their vibrant flowers, devoid of petals, are a result of abundant stamens and come in shades of white, yellow, pink, or red.
– The eucalyptus fruit is termed a “gum nut”.
– Eucalyptus longevity differs per species, with many outliving 250 years in the wild.
This brief dive into the eucalyptus world barely scratches the surface. Each type has a unique story, shaped by evolution, environment, and human use.